The Impact of School Social Support and Bullying Victimization on Psychological Distress among Californian Adolescents (Californian Journal of Health Promotion)

​National reports showed that over 20 percent of high school students were victims of bullying, which could potentially lead to psychological problems. School social support may be protective against mental distress linked with victimization. Using 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the study examined the main and moderating effects of social support from adults in schools on non-specific serious psychological distress (SPD) related to victimization among California adolescents 12-17 years old.

The study reports adolescents who were victimized were twice as likely to have SPD compared to non-victims. Higher level of social support from adults in schools was protective against SPD, but did not buffer the effect of bullying exposure.  

Publication Authors:

• Xiaoyan Zhang
• et al