Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Abstract

Existing research has explored associations between bullying and depression, sexual orientation and bullying, and sexual orientation and depression extensively. Research surrounding the threeway relationship between these variables is limited. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between bullying, depression, and sexual orientation among adolescents. The current study hypothesized that bullying victimization is positively correlated with depression, and that sexual minority adolescents are more likely to be victimized by bullying. Hypotheses were tested utilizing analysis of data collected through the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which encompasses data on behavior and risk factors present in 17,508 adolescents in the United States. Both univariate and bivariate data analysis were conducted. Results showed a significant positive association between bullying victimization and depression, and sexual minorities were more likely to report bullying victimization than their heterosexual peers. The current study updates knowledge gained from prior research and establishes a relationship between bullying, depression, and sexual orientation. Sexual minority adolescents are more likely to be victimized by bullying, and bullying victimization is a risk factor for depression. Future research should seek to explore how additional risk factors contribute to bullying and depression experiences in sexual minority adolescents, as well as interventions that may minimize bullying, depression, and their impacts on sexual minority adolescents.

Year of Submission

2024

Department

Department of Social Work

First Advisor

Sei-Young Lee

Date Original

5-8-2024

Object Description

1 PDF (29 pages)

Language

en

Download
Off-Campus Download

Comments?

Share

COinS