Depression and suicide ideation among secondary school adolescents involved in school bullying

Abstract

Background Depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and lack of hope are just a few of the characteristics evident in adolescents involved in bullying. The aims of this study are as follows: to examine the association between involvement in school bullying and depressive symptoms and suicide ideation among victims, bully victims, and those uninvolved; to investigate the effects of vulnerability factors on depression and suicide ideation among subjects aged 17 involved in school bullying. Methods A self-reported school-based survey was completed by 290 secondary school students aged 17 years, attending the third grade, coming from 15 different classes of secondary schools in the Tuzla (coming from each municipality in the Tuzla Canton), 2007. Using peer nominations, three groups were established: victims, bully victims, and uninvolved participants as control group subjects. Data were obtained using a self-rated questionnaire on bullying, Beck inventory to identify depression and suicide ideations, and state-trait anxiety scales to assess anxiety state/trait among examinees. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 12.0. Results There was an increased prevalence of depression (29.0% versus 8.8%) and suicidal ideation (16.1% versus 3.5%) in adolescents who have been victims in relationships to respondents who were uninvolved subjects. There was an increased prevalence of depression (17.5% versus 8.8%) and suicidal ideation (15.8.1% versus 3.5%) in adolescents who have been bully victims in relationships to respondents who were uninvolved subjects too. Adolescents who are victims and those who are bully victims are more likely to have suicide ideation compared to uninvolved subjects. Discontent with financial situation is a vulnerability factor associated with elevated levels of depression in victims. Conclusion In evaluations of students involved in bullying behavior, it is important to assess depression and suicide ideation.