Syndrome of morbidity associated with bullying
Background: A recent report has suggested the occurrence of a psychosomatic morbidity spectrum linked to frequent participation in bullying, as a victim and/or as a bully (1)
Objectives: The present study aims at: 1) defining the existence of a cluster of psychosomatic symptoms associated to participation in bullying; 2) ascertaining its links to public health risks.
Methodology: Study/subjects: 9938 US students (grade 6 to 10). Measurement: The study subjects completed the 1996 US Health Behavior in School Aged Children.
Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis and logs of odd ratio were performed.
Results: 5.2 % of US adolescents, grade 6th to 10th, suffer from a cluster of headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, backaches, irritability, nervousness and sleeping difficulties, occurring at least once a week, associated with their participation in school bullying as bullies and/or as victims. This syndrome of bullying occurs more frequently among 8th graders (6.5%), and students whose fathers did not complete High School (7.1%). Adolescents who present with syndrome of bullying, are significantly more at risk than their peers who do not exhibit this clinical picture, in experiencing multiple injuries, running away episodes or inflicting self injuries (OR1.65;1.51;1.43, respectively).
Conclusions: It is relevant to pediatric practice the recognition of a psychosomatic clinical entity linked to participation in bullying behaviors that is associated with serious public health risks.
Reference: 1) J.Srabstein et al, Int J Adolesc Med Health 2006;18(4):00-00. Accepted for publication.