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Childhood Bullying Victimization, Substance Use and Criminal Activity among Adolescents: A Multilevel Growth Model Study

Author

Listed:
  • Jungup Lee

    (Department of Social Work, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117570, Singapore)

  • Mijin Choi

    (School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA)

  • Margaret M. Holland

    (Division of Social Work, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA)

  • Melissa Radey

    (College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA)

  • Stephen J. Tripodi

    (College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA)

Abstract

Background: This study aims to examine the effects of childhood bullying victimization (CBV) on substance use and criminal activity among adolescents over time. In addition, it identifies the moderating effects of gender and race/ethnicity on the associations of CBV with substance abuse and criminal activity in adolescence and young adulthood. Methods: This study included 8984 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (Mage = 14.22 years) assessed biennially at four time points utilizing the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. The two-level hierarchical linear modeling was employed to test the effects of CBV on substance use and criminal activity. Results: The incidence of substance use increased over time throughout adolescence to young adulthood, while that of criminal activity decreased. CBV increased the risks of cigarette use, marijuana use, and criminal activity. Gender and race/ethnicity significantly moderated the effect of CBV on alcohol use and alcohol binges. The effect of CBV on alcohol use was stronger among females than males. Among Hispanic adolescents, CBV was more strongly related to alcohol use and binges compared to non-Hispanic White. Conclusion: Findings suggest the need for early intervention for children at high risk of being bullied to reduce later substance abuse and involvement in criminal activities. Considering the moderating effects of gender and ethnicity on the associations, target-specified intervention and prevention programs are also required. Further studies focusing on the lifelong effects of CBV beyond adolescence are recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Jungup Lee & Mijin Choi & Margaret M. Holland & Melissa Radey & Stephen J. Tripodi, 2022. "Childhood Bullying Victimization, Substance Use and Criminal Activity among Adolescents: A Multilevel Growth Model Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2022:i:1:p:770-:d:1021704
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kim, Dong Ha & Lee, Jeoung Min & Cho, Sujung & Peguero, Anthony A. & Misuraca, Joseph A., 2019. "From bullying victimization to delinquency in South Korean adolescents: Exploring the pathways using a nationally representative sample," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 305-311.
    2. Walters, Glenn D., 2014. "Pathways to early delinquency: Exploring the individual and collective contributions of difficult temperament, low maternal involvement, and externalizing behavior," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 42(4), pages 321-326.
    3. Emma Gorman & Colm Harmon & Silvia Mendolia & Anita Staneva & Ian Walker, 2021. "Adolescent School Bullying Victimization and Later Life Outcomes," Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, vol. 83(4), pages 1048-1076, August.
    4. Jungup Lee & JongSerl Chun & Jinyung Kim & Jieun Lee & Serim Lee, 2021. "A Social-Ecological Approach to Understanding the Relationship between Cyberbullying Victimization and Suicidal Ideation in South Korean Adolescents: The Moderating Effect of School Connectedness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-15, October.
    5. Yang, Fan & Nelson-Gardell, Debra & Guo, Yuqi, 2018. "The role of strains in negative emotions and bullying behaviors of school-aged children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 290-297.
    6. Turner, Michael G. & Exum, M. Lyn & Brame, Robert & Holt, Thomas J., 2013. "Bullying victimization and adolescent mental health: General and typological effects across sex," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 53-59.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wilson D. Pesquera Jr. & Mariz P. Balquin, 2025. "Exploring the Correlation between Vices and Juvenile Delinquency in Secondary," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(4), pages 4157-4190, April.

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