Victims of Bullying Who Believe They're Singled Out Based on Social Traits Experience More Severe Consequences

Victims of Bullying Who Believe They're Singled Out Based on Social Traits Experience More Severe Consequences

A new study published in the Journal of School Violence has revealed an increased risk of traumatic consequences for students who perceive prejudiced victimization due to their social characteristics, such as ethnicity or sexuality. The research, involving over 2,200 young victims of bullying, found that students experienced more severe physical health issues, self-esteem damage, and academic difficulties when they believed prejudice motivated the perpetrators' actions, particularly for those with multiple characteristics at risk of discrimination.

Schools should place more emphasis on addressing prejudicial victimization, the study urges, advocating the identification of students at higher risk due to multiple vulnerabilities. Allison Kurpiel, a Ph.D. candidate at Pennsylvania State University's Department of Sociology and Criminology, led the research using data from the under-18 respondents of the 2017 and 2019 National Crime Victimization Survey.

The research evaluated students who experienced any form of victimization, such as verbal or physical attacks or the spreading of rumors. Those who felt they were victimized because of their race, religion, ethnic background, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or physical appearance were divided into two groups, with a higher prevalence of reported bias being associated with multiple types of victimization.

The study found that around 25% of all students experienced victimization in the past year, and of those, nearly 40% perceived bias as the motivation. Physical appearance was the most commonly reported form of bias, affecting around 30% of biased victims. The most common forms of victimization were threats and rumor-spreading, with each affecting approximately two-thirds of victims. Students who reported bias against them had a wider range of victimization experiences than those without perceived bias.

Negative self-esteem effects were the most commonly reported impacts, affecting more than 25% of victims, while physical health effects were the least common, with fewer than 1 in 7 reporting such damage. Students who felt their victimization was linked to bias were three times more likely to suffer negative self-esteem consequences, and also had increased odds of physical health, social relationship, and academic difficulties.

Students who felt they suffered multiple types of bias had higher odds of experiencing all measured negative effects. For example, each additional type of reported bias increased the odds of reporting academic difficulties by 70%. Girls were more likely than boys to suffer all negative effects, as were those with lower grades.

Kurpiel recommends schools should raise awareness of these issues and prioritize programming that targets the reduction of biased victimization. Potential interventions could include increasing support groups or clubs that promote inclusivity, which have been demonstrated to help reduce multiple bias-based bullying, particularly among female students who identify as LGBT.

The study acknowledges some limitations, such as not measuring all possible victim impacts and the lack of consideration given to factors related to the school climate that could be important for understanding the impacts of biased victimization. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the necessity for schools to prioritize initiatives that ensure inclusive learning environments free from prejudice and aggression.

1. The increased risk of traumatic consequences for students calls attention to the need for better understanding and addressing relationships based on prejudice in the workplace, such as those found in the industry.
2. The increased risks associated with prejudiced victimization underscore the importance of workplace-wellness programs that address mental-health issues stemming from chronic diseases like neurological disorders.
3. The study's findings reinforce the need for medical-conditions, including autoimmune disorders, to be considered when implementing mental-health therapies and treatments.
4. In promoting health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise play a crucial role in managing various chronic diseases, such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues.
5. The link between eye-health and hearing is an often-overlooked aspect of overall well-being, particularly for students who experience bullying and discrimination.
6. Ongoing research in the field of science continues to expose the impact of various medical-conditions and chronic diseases on hearing, emphasizing the importance of seeking proper treatment and care.
7. Students who suffer from mental-health issues as a result of prejudiced victimization may find solace in skin-care therapies and treatments, providing a sense of comfort and self-esteem boost.
8. As part of health-and-wellness initiatives, companies involved in the manufacturing sector should prioritize stress-management programs to address the mental-health effects of challenging roles and workplace dynamics.
9. Support groups and clubs that promote inclusivity can also play an essential role in addressing skin-conditions that may stem from various medical-conditions or chronic diseases.
10. The use of supplements, such as CBD oil, could potentially help manage mental-health issues and chronic diseases stemming from prejudiced victimization, but further research is needed to confirm their benefits and determine appropriate dosages.
11. Renewable energy companies should advocate for diversity and inclusion within their workforce to create an environment that values all employees and minimizes prejudiced victimization.
12. Companies in the retail sector are urged to prioritize diversity-and-inclusion initiatives across their businesses, including supply chains, to ensure equitable treatment for employees, customers, and the wider community.
13. Public-transit systems should prioritize initiatives that promote a safe and inclusive environment for all passengers, particularly those at risk of prejudiced victimization due to their social characteristics.
14. Entrepreneurship programs should incorporate lessons on diversity-and-inclusion to help emerging business leaders navigate complex relationships in the workplace and create organizations that foster positive relationships.
15. Addressing diversity-and-inclusion in transportation, particularly the automotive industry, can lead to safer roads and reduced discrimination against vulnerable road users.
16. Small-business owners should prioritize diversity-and-inclusion as part of their leadership principles, as a diverse workforce can drive innovation and better serve a diverse customer base.
17. The finance industry is called upon to invest in initiatives that target mental-health support for individuals affected by chronic diseases and health-related issues stemming from prejudiced victimization.
18. Financial institutions should offer programs that promote healthy diets, weight-management, and cardiovascular health to help customers maintain their physical well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
19. The impact of prejudiced victimization on students can lead to long-term negative effects on cardiovascular health, emphasizing the need for schools to promote healthy lifestyles and education on this critical aspect of overall health.
20. Individuals experiencing prejudiced victimization may find solace in psoriasis treatments, helping to improve their physical appearance and self-esteem.
21. The increased odds of academic difficulties among students who experience multiple types of bias highlights the importance of prioritizing education and advocacy around diversity-and-inclusion in schools.
22. Schools should consider partnerships with industry leaders and innovators to bring technology-based solutions, such as smartphones and gadgets, to help promote a greater understanding of diversity-and-inclusion in the classroom and beyond.
23. Budgeting tools and personal-finance education are essential for helping students manage their finances, preventing them from taking on unnecessary debt and ensuring stable housing opportunities.
24. The housing market can have far-reaching impacts on individuals, particularly those who have experienced prejudiced victimization, making access to affordable housing a critical social issue.
25. The venture-capital industry should prioritize investing in social enterprises that focus on promoting diversity-and-inclusion initiatives and tackling the root causes of prejudiced victimization in schools and workplaces.
26. Wealth-management professionals should understand the unique financial needs of their clients who may have experienced prejudiced victimization and the long-term effects it can have on their financial well-being.
27. Banks and insurance companies should prioritize diversity-and-inclusion initiatives to create equitable services and protection for all, ensuring that no individual is left vulnerable due to their social characteristics.
28. The fintech sector can play a crucial role in promoting financial literacy and access to affordable financial services, helping individuals affected by prejudiced victimization to build a strong financial foundation.
29. The real-estate industry should prioritize organizations that promote diversity-and-inclusion and help create more equitable housing opportunities for all.
30. Initiatives focused on promoting diversity-and-inclusion in the aviation sector can help lead to safer and more equitable workplaces, fostering a culture that values all employees and reduces the risk of prejudiced victimization.

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