Associations Between Past Bullying Experiences and Psychosocial and Academic Functioning Among College Students

Melissa K. HoltDepartment of Counseling Psychology and Human Development, School of Education, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

, PhD,

Jennifer Greif GreenDepartment of Special Education, School of Education, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

, PhD,

Gerald ReidDepartment of Counseling Psychology and Human Development, School of Education, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

, MA,

Amanda DiMeoDepartment of Health Science, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

Dorothy L. EspelageDepartment of Child Development, College of Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois

, PhD,

Erika D. FelixDepartment of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, The Gervitz School, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

, PhD,

Michael J. FurlongDepartment of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, The Gervitz School, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

, PhD,

V. Paul PoteatDepartment of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts

, PhD &

Jill D. SharkeyDepartment of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, The Gervitz School, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

, PhD show all

Abstract

Abstract. Objectives: This study examined whether childhood bullying victimization was associated with psychosocial and academic functioning at college. Participants: The sample consisted of 413 first-year students from a large northeastern university. Methods: Students completed an online survey in February 2012 that included items assessing past bullying involvement, current psychosocial and academic functioning, and victimization experiences since arriving at college. Results: Regression analyses indicated that reports of past bullying and other peer victimization were associated with lower mental health functioning and perceptions of physical and mental health, but were not associated with perceptions of social life at college, overall college experience, or academic performance. Conclusions: Childhood bullying victimization is associated with poorer mental and physical health among first-year college students. Colleges should consider assessing histories of bullying victimization, along with other past victimization exposures, in their service provision to students.

Keywords:

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