TY - JOUR PY - 2015// TI - Bullying and suicidal ideation and behaviors: a meta-analysis JO - Pediatrics A1 - Holt, Melissa K. A1 - Vivolo-Kantor, Alana M. A1 - Polanin, Joshua R. A1 - Holland, Kristin M. A1 - DeGue, Sarah A1 - Matjasko, Jennifer L. A1 - Wolfe, Misty A1 - Reid, Gerald SP - e496 EP - 509 VL - 135 IS - 2 N2 - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Over the last decade there has been increased attention to the association between bullying involvement (as a victim, perpetrator, or bully-victim) and suicidal ideation/behaviors. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the association between bullying involvement and suicidal ideation and behaviors.

METHODS: We searched multiple online databases and reviewed reference sections of articles derived from searches to identify cross-sectional studies published through July 2013. Using search terms associated with bullying, suicide, and youth, 47 studies (38.3% from the United States, 61.7% in non-US samples) met inclusion criteria. Seven observers independently coded studies and met in pairs to reach consensus.

RESULTS: Six different meta-analyses were conducted by using 3 predictors (bullying victimization, bullying perpetration, and bully/victim status) and 2 outcomes (suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors). A total of 280 effect sizes were extracted and multilevel, random effects meta-analyses were performed.

RESULTS indicated that each of the predictors were associated with risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (range, 2.12 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.67-2.69] to 4.02 [95% CI, 2.39-6.76]). Significant heterogeneity remained across each analysis. The bullying perpetration and suicidal behavior effect sizes were moderated by the study's country of origin; the bully/victim status and suicidal ideation results were moderated by bullying assessment method.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrated that involvement in bullying in any capacity is associated with suicidal ideation and behavior. Future research should address mental health implications of bullying involvement to prevent suicidal ideation/behavior.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0031-4005 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-1864 ID - ref1 ER -