Bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation in Finnish adolescents: school survey

TLDR

The study aimed to examine the association between school bullying (as victim or perpetrator), depression, and severe suicidal ideation among Finnish adolescents. Researchers conducted a cross‑sectional survey of 16,410 14‑ to 16‑year‑old students in secondary schools across two Finnish regions, collecting data on bullying experiences and administering the Beck Depression Inventory, which includes items on suicidal ideation. Results showed that both bullied students and bullies had higher rates of depression and severe suicidal ideation, with the highest prevalence among those who were both victims and perpetrators, and that suicidal ideation remained most frequent among bullies even after adjusting for depression, underscoring the need for psychiatric intervention for both groups.

Abstract

To assess the relation between being bullied or being a bully at school, depression, and severe suicidal ideation.A school based survey of health, health behaviour, and behaviour in school which included questions about bullying and the Beck depression inventory, which includes items asking about suicidal ideation.Secondary schools in two regions of Finland.16 410 adolescents aged 14-16.There was an increased prevalence of depression and severe suicidal ideation among both those who were bullied and those who were bullies. Depression was equally likely to occur among those who were bullied and those who were bullies. It was most common among those students who were both bullied by others and who were also bullies themselves. When symptoms of depression were controlled for, suicidal ideation occurred most often among adolescents who were bullies.Adolescents who are being bullied and those who are bullies are at an increased risk of depression and suicide. The need for psychiatric intervention should be considered not only for victims of bullying but also for bullies.