Self-cutting in bullying victimized adolescents is mediated by depression and dissociation

Abstract

Abstract Background Bullying victimization is a universal public health threat with numerous negative mental health consequences, including anxiety, depression, and dissociation. Aims We explored 1) firstly whether bullying victimization is associated with self-cutting in Finnish adolescent population and, 2) if the possible association is mediated by dissociation and/or depression. Methods We used cross-sectional questionnaire data from 13-18- year-old Finnish students (N = 4214; boys n = 1942; girls n = 2229). Results Bullying victimized adolescents were older, more likely to come from single-parent families and to take drugs and drink alcohol, had a poorer relationship with parents and siblings, as well as poorer school performance compared to non-bullied adolescents. According to logistic regression analysis the association between bullying and self-cutting remained significant despite adjustments for age, gender, fear of going to school, school performance, social network-related factors, family-related factors, lifestyle related factors, and dissociative symptoms, but not for depressive symptoms. In mediation analyses we found that both depression and dissociation mediated the effect of bullying victimization on self-cutting. Conclusions Self-cutting is more common in adolescents who have been bullying victimized. The association is mediated by depressive and dissociative symptoms. More studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms how of depressive and dissociative symptoms interact with the association between bullying and self-harm. Key messages • Bullying victimized adolescents are associated with self-cutting. • Depression and dissociation mediate the mentioned association.