Victimization among Peruvian adolescents: insights into mental/emotional health from the Young Lives study.

BACKGROUND

Bullying is a global problem among children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to explore bully victimization in Peru and to identify potential adverse mental health and social outcomes resulting from bully victimization.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from an ongoing prospective cohort of children taking part in the Young Lives study. This study assessed bullying consequences on mental and emotional health in the 3 rounds of data collected among Peruvian adolescents at ages 8, 12, and 15.

RESULTS

Bullying by peers was negatively related with age. A factor analysis showed that boys were significantly less likely than girls to suffer emotional and relational problems due to victimization. Additionally, bullying in rounds 2 and 3 of the cohort were significantly correlated with adverse emotional and mental health outcomes in round 3. Lastly, emotional status was positively associated with violent incidences in the schools and at home.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows significant problems with emotional and mental stress as early outcomes associated with victimization in Peru. The findings have implications for treating adolescent health issues like peer victimization. Steps should be taken to address bullying and mental/emotional health in Peru in order to combat subsequent mental health problems.