The impact of traditional bullying and cyberbullying victimization on self-perceived stress in Swedish adolescents. The longitudinal STARS study.

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional bullying and cyberbullying victimization have been associated with various mental health issues. Adolescents with increased perceived stress may be at a greater risk of developing a mental health disorder. Aim: The study investigated whether bullying victimization and cyberbullying victimization from early to mid-adolescence is associated with increased self-perceived stress and examined gender differences in these associations. Methods: Data from the baseline(age 13) and two-year follow-up(age 15) measurements of the Study of Resilience and Stress (STARS) in Sweden were used. The sample consisted of 2099 participants (44% male and 56% female). Perceived stress was measured by Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. Traditional and cyberbullying bullying victimization were assessed using one item from the Bully/Victim Questionnaire and a global question, respectively. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, chi square tests, one-way ANOVAs and General Linear Models for repeated measures. Results: Compared to males, females reported higher stress levels and were more exposed to cyberbullying victimization at both time points. In both males and females, exposure to bullying or cyberbullying victimization at the age of 13, 15 or at both time points was associated with increased stress levels over the two-year period. The impact of bullying and cyberbullying victimization on stress persisted over time, even in the absence of continued exposure. Conclusions: Being bullied or cyberbullied either at age 13, 15 or at both time points, has a negative impact on perceived stress in both males and females, highlighting the need for measures that address and prevent these sources of stress during adolescence.