In-Person Bullying and Cyberbullying in the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network: Associations with Clinical Presentations.

Abstract

Bullying is widespread and negatively impacts youth mental health. However, differences between in-person bullying, cyberbullying, and their combination are understudied. To compare the prevalence, clinical presentations, and impairment associated with in-person bullying, cyberbullying, and their combination among depressed youth. Participants were N = 1,281 depressed and/or suicidal youth in Texas aged 8-17 years. Chi-square tests compared bullying prevalence across age, sociodemographic, and identity groups. Multivariate analysis of variance and post-hoc tests compared clinical presentations across forms of bullying experienced. Bullying prevalence differed by age group. Youth who experienced cyberbullying or combined bullying reported greater depression, anxiety, and impairment than non-bullied youth. Prevention and intervention strategies should address the combined effects of in-person and cyberbullying.