Social support, bullying, school-related stress and mental health in adolescence

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine the impact of social support, bullying and school-related stress on both positive and negative aspects of mental health in adolescence. In addition, the possible buffering effects of social support related to school performance was investigated. The analyses were based on a cross-sectional survey of 1814 students between 15 and 21 years old from five upper secondary schools in Norway. Multiple hierarchical linear regression models with robust standard errors were estimated, and potential confounders were controlled for. Social support from friends and family, bullying and school-related stress were significantly associated with both wellbeing and anxiety and depression symptoms, with small to moderate effect sizes. However, the associations with the two aspects of mental health varied. Being bullied was strongest associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. Stress of interaction with teachers was weakly associated with anxiety and depression symptoms and unrelated to wellbeing. The findings provide no solid support for the buffering effects of social support related to stress of school performance on wellbeing, nor anxiety and depression symptoms.