Effects of bullying on the mental health of adolescents.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of bullying on the mental effect of adolescents. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Sacred Heart Convent School and Ibn e Sina School in Lahore. The data was compiled and analyzed at CMH Lahore Medical College. Period: November 2019-January 2020. Material & Methods: Three hundred and eighty one participants were selected from both schools and the severity of bullying was analyzed by using a Performa. The scores were calculated and compared with Victimization scale and WHO wellbeing index respectively. Results: The Victimization scale had a score range from 54 to 0. The mean was 8.04 with a Std. Deviation of 9.12. For the WHO well Being Index, 42.8% of total students scored less than 13, indicating negative impacts on mental health. 57.2% of students scored 13 or more. The correlation between Victimization Scale and WHO positive Wellbeing Index had a p-value of 0.844 which is insignificant, showing no correlation between the two variables.  Conclusion: In Pakistan, traditional bullying is common and is clearly related with lower general happiness and higher depression. There is a need to incorporate the promotion of anti-bullying programs and promote positive health as an integral part of the curriculums of Pakistani Schools.