Does self-identified victimization affect mental health and help-seeking behavior among adolescents who experienced bullying behaviors?

Researchers typically assess the prevalence of victimization using definition-based measures, where respondents report if they have been victimized after being given a definition of bullying; or behavior-based measures where... [ view full abstract ]

Researchers typically assess the prevalence of victimization using definition-based measures, where respondents report if they have been victimized after being given a definition of bullying; or behavior-based measures where respondents report their experience of disparate behaviors that constitute bullying. These two approaches may identify different victims with varied bullying experiences. This study explored differences between (1) ‘self-identified’ victims (according to definition-based measures), (2) ‘behavior-based’ victims (adolescents who reported bullying behaviors but do not identify themselves as victims), and (3) non-victims (those reporting no victimization experiences).

A total of 3,319 adolescents (aged 12-17 years) reported whether they were bullied in the past six months, their experience of bullying-related and help-seeking behaviors, and completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Findings were that out of a list of 20 bullying behaviors, ‘self-identified’ victims tended to report experiencing multiple bullying-related behaviors. In contrast, ‘behavior-based’ victims tended to experience much fewer bullying-related behaviors. ‘Self-identified’ victims reported higher SDQ total problem scores compared to ‘behavior-based’ victims, and also to non-victims. They were also more likely to seek help than ‘behavior-based’ victims. ‘Behavior-based’ victims reported higher SDQ total problem scores compared to non-victims. Bullying-related experiences were associated with poorer mental health, whether or not adolescents identified themselves as victims.

Findings suggest that adolescents experience different forms of bullying, and not all of them will consider themselves as victims or seek help. Consequently, a single self-report measure may not adequately capture information on the whole spectrum of victimization. Besides providing assistance to ‘self-identified’ victims, special attention needs to be given to ‘behavior-based’ victims, who are less likely to seek help.