Childhood bullying is so profoundly scarring that its negative social, physical, economic, and mental health effects are measurable for decades to come, a new study finds.
The study, conducted by King's College London and published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, is the first major study that assesses the long-term effects of childhood bullying. Earlier studies have observed the negative consequences of childhood bullying extending into the victim's 20s, but this latest research shows that these consequences persist through middle age.
"Our study shows that the effects of bullying are still visible nearly four decades later," said Dr. Ryu Takizawa, lead author of the paper. "The impact of bullying is persistent and pervasive, with health, social and economic consequences lasting well into adulthood."
King's College London reports:
The findings come from the British National Child Development Study which includes data on all children born in England, Scotland and Wales during one week in 1958. The study published today includes 7,771 children whose parents provided information on their child's exposure to bullying when they were aged 7 and 11. The children were then followed up until the age of 50...
Just over a quarter of children in the study (28%) had been bullied occasionally,and 15% bullied frequently - similar to rates in the UK today.
The study found that adults who were bullied as children were more likely to have poorer physical and psychological health, poorer cognitive functioning, lower educational levels, and lower quality of and satisfaction with life at age 50. They were less likely to be in a relationship or have good social support, and at greater risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Men who experienced childhood bullying were also more likely to be earning less than those who did not, and they also had higher rates of unemployment.
More details are after the jump.
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