Victimization of Traditional and Cyber Bullying During Childhood and Their Correlates Among Adult Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan: A Retrospective Study.

Wang Wang,Yen Yen,Hsiao Hsiao

doi:10.3390/ijerph16234634

Abstract

This study examined the associations of timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones, gender role nonconformity, and family-related factors with victimization of traditional and cyber sexuality-related bullying during childhood among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan, in addition to the moderating effects of family-related factors on these associations. A total of 500 homosexual or bisexual men aged between 20 and 25 years were recruited into this study. The associations of early identification of sexual orientation, early coming out, level of masculinity, parental education levels, and perceived family support with victimization of traditional and cyber sexuality-related bullying were evaluated. Early identification of sexual orientation, low self-rated masculinity, and low family support were significantly associated with victimization of traditional bullying. Moreover, low family support, early coming out, and traditional bullying victimization were significantly associated with victimization of cyber bullying. Family support did not moderate the associations of early identification of sexual orientation and low masculinity with victimization of traditional bullying or cyberbullying. The factors associated with victimization of traditional and cyber sexuality-related bullying should be considered when mental health and educational professionals develop prevention and intervention strategies to reduce sexuality-related bullying.

Highlights

Victimization of bullying is one of the most miserable experiences children and adolescents can have and may result in long-term adverse psychological and physical consequences [1]
The aims of the present study were to examine whether there were differences in the timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones, gender role nonconformity, and family-related factors between gay and bisexual victims and non-victims of traditional and cyber sexuality-related bullying during childhood in Taiwan, in addition to the moderating effects that family factors have on the association of early timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones and gender role nonconformity with being victims of sexuality-related bullying
Regarding victimization of sexuality-related bullying during their childhood and adolescence, 34.8% and 17% reported to be victims of traditional bullying due to gender non-conformity and sexual orientation, respectively; 27% and 22.4% reported to be victims of cyber bullying due to gender non-conformity and sexual orientation, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Victimization of bullying is one of the most miserable experiences children and adolescents can have and may result in long-term adverse psychological and physical consequences [1]. A meta-analysis study revealed that sexual minority youths, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youths, reported higher victimization of bullying rates than heterosexual peers [2]. A review study revealed that victimization of bullying is one of the major factors contributing to mental disorders, suicide, and deliberate self-harm in sexual minority people [3]. Longitudinal studies have demonstrated that victimization of bullying predicts subsequent psychological distress in sexual minority adolescents [4,5]. The aforementioned study findings support the implementation of public policy initiatives that reduce bullying and prevent victimization-related effects on the health and well-being of sexual minority youths [6]. Identifying factors that increase the risk of being bullied may

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion