Carla Mills1, Suzanne Guerin2, Fionnuala Lynch3, Irenee Daly3, Carol Fitzpatrick3. 1. Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Mater Hospital, North Circular Road, Dublin 7. 2. Department of Psychology, University College Dublin. 3. Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation/behaviour, among bullied and non-bullied young people. METHODS: Participants were 209 students, 97 male and 112 female, attending eight urban post-primary schools and aged between 12 and 15 years. Participants were interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children - Present and Lifetime Version, the Hopelessness Scale for Children, the Scale for Suicide Ideation, and the Suicide Intent Scale. RESULTS: Data were analysed using a series of non-parametric comparison tests. Being a victim of bullying was found to be significantly associated with depression (χ2 = 10.986; df = 1; p = 0.001) and suicidal ideation (χ2 = 5.811; df = 1; p = 0.022). Results also indicated that victims were more likely to have reported a suicide attempt (χ2 = 5.995; df = 1; p = 0.022). Finally, those bullied were significantly more likely to have been referred to psychiatric services (χ2 = 6.661; df = 1;p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the issue of bullying needs to be re-addressed within Irish schools, with particular emphasis placed on further investigation into the psychological consequences thereof.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation/behaviour, among bullied and non-bullied young people. METHODS:Participants were 209 students, 97 male and 112 female, attending eight urban post-primary schools and aged between 12 and 15 years. Participants were interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children - Present and Lifetime Version, the Hopelessness Scale for Children, the Scale for Suicide Ideation, and the Suicide Intent Scale. RESULTS: Data were analysed using a series of non-parametric comparison tests. Being a victim of bullying was found to be significantly associated with depression (χ2 = 10.986; df = 1; p = 0.001) and suicidal ideation (χ2 = 5.811; df = 1; p = 0.022). Results also indicated that victims were more likely to have reported a suicide attempt (χ2 = 5.995; df = 1; p = 0.022). Finally, those bullied were significantly more likely to have been referred to psychiatric services (χ2 = 6.661; df = 1;p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the issue of bullying needs to be re-addressed within Irish schools, with particular emphasis placed on further investigation into the psychological consequences thereof.