Are Bullying Perpetration and Victimization Associated with Adolescent Deliberate Self-Harm? A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This study sought to appraise internationally published literature investigating bullying in its association with deliberate self-harm (DSH). A systematic review and series of meta-analyses using random effects models were conducted. A total of 68 effect sizes, analyzing data from 156,284 adolescents aged 11–19 years were examined. Results showed significant associations between both traditional bullying perpetration (OR 1.81, 95% CI [1.33, 2.47], p < .0001) and victimization (OR 2.34, 95% CI [1.89, 2.89], p < .0001) and DSH. Cyber-bullying victimization (OR 3.55, 95% CI [2.71, 4.65], p < .0001) and the co-occurrence of traditional and cyber-bullying victimization (OR 3.39, 95% CI [1.56, 7.37], p = .002) were also associated with DSH. Moderator analyses showed variation in results based on methodological- and sample-level variables. Findings suggested that exposure to bullying, either as perpetrators or victims, poses risks for DSH.

Keywords:

• bullying perpetration
• bullying victimization
• cyber-bullying
• deliberate self-harm
• meta-analysis
• traditional bullying

Acknowledgment

The authors express their appreciation and thanks to Professor Paul Frick for his valuable contribution in the early stages of planning this paper.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at publisher's weblink.

Additional information

Funding

Jessica A Heerde is supported by a Westpac Bicentennial Foundation Research Fellowship. Early conceptualizations and writing of this article were supported through a Murdoch Children's Research Institute Population Health Theme Funding Grant. The funding sources did not have any involvement in the analysis and interpretation of data, the writing of the article, or the decision to submit the article for publication.

Notes on contributors

Jessica A. Heerde

Jessica A. Heerde, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.

Sheryl A. Hemphill

Sheryl A. Hemphill, The University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.