Academic incivility and bullying as risks for suicide, self-destructive behaviors, and harm to others

Abstract

Bullying and academic incivility are significant public health issues associated with serious mental health outcomes and harmful behaviors for both perpetrators and victims. In this quantitative study, academic incivility and prior bullying experiences related to suicidality, self-destructive behaviors, and harm to others were explored. Higher education students (N = 534) reported their experiences with bullying and academic incivility and subsequent coping responses related to suicidal ideation, self-injury, substance misuse, and intent to harm others through self-report using the 34-item Coping Responses for Academic Incivility Scale (CRAIS). Findings of the study indicate that students who experienced bullying in K-12 education or academic incivility in higher education, especially those reporting being a bully or bully-victim, were more likely to endorse suicidalideation, self-destructive behaviors, and harm to others than participants who had not. Individuals who experienced both bullying and academic incivility demonstrated the greatest risk of these outcomes. The serious nature of these outcomes on physical and mental health indicates a need for proactive policies and procedures to address these behaviors and enhanced screening and treatment for affected individuals.