Bullying victimization and delinquent involvement: An application of general strain theory

Abstract

Bullying victimization is linked to numerous undesirable outcomes which are likely to affect victims over the life course. The current study incorporates data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1997) and draws from Agnew’s General Strain Theory to estimate the effects of bullying victimization on depressive symptoms and delinquency. Results suggest repeated bullying victimization increases depressive symptoms in adolescence for both males and females (ages 12–16). The results also indicate that it is problematic to assess delinquent outcomes for bullying victimization independent of mediating mental health factors, namely depressive symptoms. Additionally, depressive symptoms mediate the bullying victimization and delinquent relationship for females but not males. A discussion pertaining to relevant policy implications and future research investigating the delinquent outcomes of bullying victimization is provided.