Are there sex differences in the relation between bullying and depressive symptoms in young children?

Introduction: Bullying victimization has been positively associated with depressive symptoms. However, previous studies have yielded conflicting findings regarding the prevalence of bullying between boys and girls. The objective of this study is to investigate the sex differences in bullying victimization and if one sex is more prone to get depressive symptoms if they are bullied. Methods: For the present research, the data of the study from crone et al. (2022) has been included. The present study used the revised Olweus bully/victim questionnaire and the strength and difficulties questionnaire to measure bullying victimization and depressive symptoms respectively. An Independent sample t-test was used to determine which sex was bullied more than the other, and a moderation analysis was used to determine if one sex was more likely to get depressive symptoms if they were bullied. Results: The results did not find a significant difference for bullying between the genders. The results...Show moreIntroduction: Bullying victimization has been positively associated with depressive symptoms. However, previous studies have yielded conflicting findings regarding the prevalence of bullying between boys and girls. The objective of this study is to investigate the sex differences in bullying victimization and if one sex is more prone to get depressive symptoms if they are bullied. Methods: For the present research, the data of the study from crone et al. (2022) has been included. The present study used the revised Olweus bully/victim questionnaire and the strength and difficulties questionnaire to measure bullying victimization and depressive symptoms respectively. An Independent sample t-test was used to determine which sex was bullied more than the other, and a moderation analysis was used to determine if one sex was more likely to get depressive symptoms if they were bullied. Results: The results did not find a significant difference for bullying between the genders. The results also did not find a significant difference in the rate of depressive symptoms among boys and girls who experience bullying. This means that no sex was more likely to have depressive symptoms than the other if they were being bullied. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that both sexes are equally likely to be bullied and that both sexes are equally likely to get depressive symptoms from bullying. This is in contrast with previous studies that have found that girls are more vulnerable to develop depression than boys when subjected to bullying. This implies that there is no need for sex-specific countermeasures to bullying in regards to depression.Show less

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Are there sex differences in the relation between bullying and depressive symptoms in young children?