Being bullied in childhood is linked to long-term mental health problems

A new study by researchers from UCLA Health and the University of Glasgow has discovered a significant association between childhood bullying, increased distrust of others, and long-term mental health challenges. mental health.

Published in the journal Nature Mental Health, this research sheds light on the profound impact of bullying on the psychological health of adolescents as they enter adulthood.

Using data from the Millennium Cohort Study — a study that followed 10,000 children in the United Kingdom for nearly two decades — scientists found a worrying correlation.

Specifically, young adolescents, who were bullied at age 11 and therefore developed heightened feelings of distrust at age 14, were at higher risk of serious mental health problems at age 17. about 3.5 times. This comparison was made with normal peers.

Children are bullied at age 11 and thus develop a high sense of distrust at age 14. (Illustration).

This research is especially timely, given growing concerns about youth mental health.

Recent findings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis, with a significant portion of high school students reporting persistent feelings of depression. and some cases of suicidal thoughts.

The study's approach, rooted in Social Security Theory, suggests that bullying exacerbates mental health problems in part by fostering beliefs that others are untrustworthy.

This is a significant shift in understanding the ways in which bullying can affect an individual's mental health, moving beyond the immediate psychological and emotional effects to consider the longer lasting action.

Dr. George Slavich — the study's lead author and director of UCLA Health's Stress Assessment and Research Laboratory — emphasized the importance of this research in developing interventions.

He suggests that schools and other organizations must focus on creating environments that foster trust between individuals , especially during important transitions such as transitioning to high school or college.

This may involve implementing evidence-based programs that promote positive, trusting relationships among students.

The unique aspect of this study lies in its longitudinal analysis, tracing the impact of bullying over many years to establish clear associations with adolescent mental health outcomes.

This approach provides compelling evidence for the need for targeted interventions to reduce the harmful effects of bullying and prevent the onset of mental health problems.

In light of these findings, there is a call to action for schools and communities to invest in programs that not only directly address bullying but also work to rebuild student trust.

Specifically, there is a need to focus on creating a supportive and trusting learning environment , which has the potential to significantly improve the mental health and resilience of young people, helping them towards a life of Healthier, more complete.

This research not only highlights the serious impact of bullying on mental health but also emphasizes the importance of early intervention and support for those affected.

As Dr. George Slavich points out, addressing these issues during adolescence can prevent a range of physical and mental health problems throughout a person's life, making this research a an important step forward in our understanding of the long-term effects of bullying.