Bullying and Cyberbullying among LGBQ and Heterosexual Youth from an Intersectional Perspective: Findings from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey

ABSTRACT

While LGBTQ youth may be victims of bullying at greater rates than heterosexual youth, research examining in-school bullying and cyberbullying victimization disparities through an intersectional framework is limited. Using the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the present study examined the prevalence of in-school bullying and cyberbullying victimization across sexual orientation, gender, race, and grade (N = 13,567). Results position sexual minority youth at higher odds of experiencing in-school bullying and cyberbullying than heterosexual youth and show that bisexual youth were more likely than gay/lesbian youth to be cyberbullied. Findings from intersectional analyses show within-group variation in bullying victimization across sexual orientation based on gender, grade, and race. Specific intersectional results and implications for in-school bullying and cyberbullying prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Bullying
• cyberbullying
• intersectionality
• sexual orientation
• gender
• grade
• race

Disclosure statement

No competing financial interests exist for the authors.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Adolescent and School Health, National YRBS Datasets and Documentation, at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/data.htm.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Harrison D. Angoff

Harrison D. Angoff, B.A., is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Graduate Researcher in the Center for Group Dynamics at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. At BGSU and University of Michigan, Mr. Angoff works under the advisement of Dr. Eric F. Dubow, Principal Investigator of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development funded Flint Exposure to Violence Project. Mr. Angoff received his B.A. in psychology with highest honors and distinction in psychology in 2019 from the University of Michigan. Mr. Angoff’s current research utilizes an ecological approach to understanding adolescent development, with a focus on interpersonal and community violence, and LGBT youth mental health.

Wesley R. Barnhart

Wesley R. Barnhart, B.A., B.S., is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). At BGSU, Mr. Barnhart is advised by Dr. Abby L. Braden, Principal Investigator of Finding Balance in Emotions and Eating. Mr. Barnhart earned a B.A. in psychology with honors and research distinction in 2016 and a B.S. in systems/behavioral neuroscience with honors in 2019, both from The Ohio State University. From 2016-2019, Mr. Barnhart was a full-time clinical research assistant at the Ohio Disability and Health Program, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded program whose mission is to improve the health of Ohioans with disabilities. Mr. Barnhart’s current research embodies a biopsychosociocultural approach to health behavior, with an emphasis on eating and weight disorders, and his Master’s thesis will examine emotion and neurocognitive correlates of binge eating among adults with overweight/obesity.