A recent study published in the journal Nature Mental Health has found that children who develop a strong sense of distrust after being bullied are at a higher risk for significant mental health problems in adolescence. The study, co-led by UCLA Health and the University of Glasgow, is the first of its kind to examine the link between childhood bullying, developing interpersonal distrust, and subsequent mental health issues.
The researchers analyzed data from 10,000 children in the U.K. over nearly two decades and found that those who were bullied at age 11 and developed greater interpersonal distrust by age 14 were around 3.5 times more likely to experience clinically significant mental health problems at age 17 compared to those who developed less distrust.
This study sheds light on the lasting impact of childhood bullying on mental health, especially during the formative adolescent years. Prior to this study, other research had identified associations between bullying and mental health issues in young people, but this study confirms the suspected pathway of how bullying leads to distrust and, in turn, mental health problems in late adolescence.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported alarming trends in mental health issues among young people, with a significant percentage of high school students in the U.S. reporting feelings of depression and thoughts of suicide. The study found that only interpersonal distrust was directly related to a greater risk of experiencing mental health problems at age 17.
Recognizing the link between distrust and mental health issues can help schools and other institutions implement programs to counter the negative impacts of bullying. Dr. George Slavich, senior author of the study and director of UCLA Health’s Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research, emphasized the need for evidence-based programs in schools that foster a sense of interpersonal trust among students.
The study’s co-author, Dr. Dimitris Tsomokos from the University of Glasgow, collaborated with Slavich to bring attention to the long-term effects of childhood bullying on mental health. This research highlights the importance of addressing interpersonal trust in schools, especially during the transitional periods of high school and college.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of childhood bullying on mental health. By understanding the role of interpersonal trust in mental well-being, schools and institutions can take proactive measures to support young people who have experienced bullying and help them develop a sense of trust in their relationships.
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