Sexual Orientation and Bullying Among Adolescents in the Growing Up Today Study

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between sexual orientation and past-year reports of bullying victimization and perpetration in a large sample of American youth. Methods Survey data from 7,559 adolescents aged 14–22 who responded to the 2001 wave questionnaire of the Growing Up Today Stu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of adolescent health 2010-04, Vol.46 (4), p.366-371
Main Authors: Berlan, Elise D., M.D, Corliss, Heather L., Ph.D, Field, Alison E., Sc.D, Goodman, Elizabeth, M.D, Bryn Austin, S., Sc.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior - psychology
Adult
Aggression - psychology
Biological and medical sciences
Bullying
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dominance-Subordination
Female
Heterosexuality - psychology
Heterosexuality - statistics & numerical data
Heterosexuals
Homosexuality, Female - psychology
Homosexuality, Female - statistics & numerical data
Homosexuality, Male - psychology
Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Lesbians
Male
Medical sciences
Men
Pediatrics
Peer Group
Psychology, Adolescent
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Sex Distribution
Sex Factors
Sexual behavior
Sexual Harassment - psychology
Sexual Harassment - statistics & numerical data
Sexual orientation
Students - psychology
Students - statistics & numerical data
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States - epidemiology
Victimization
Victimology
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between sexual orientation and past-year reports of bullying victimization and perpetration in a large sample of American youth. Methods Survey data from 7,559 adolescents aged 14–22 who responded to the 2001 wave questionnaire of the Growing Up Today Study were examined cross-sectionally. Multivariable generalized estimating equations regression was performed using the modified Poisson method. We examined associations between sexual orientation and past-year bully victimization and perpetration with heterosexuals as the referent group, stratifying by gender and controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and weight status. Results Compared to heterosexual males, mostly heterosexual males (risk ratio [RR]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13, 1.86) and gay males (RR 1.98; CI: 1.39, 2.82) were more likely to report being bullied. Similarly, mostly heterosexual females (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.03), bisexual females (RR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.31), and lesbians (RR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.76, 6.41) were more likely to report being bullied than were heterosexual females. Gay males (RR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.84) were much less likely to report bullying others than were heterosexual males. Mostly heterosexual females (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.42, 2.04) and bisexual females (RR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.80, 3.24) were more likely to report bullying others than heterosexual females. No lesbian participants reported bullying others. Conclusions There are significant differences in reports of bullying victimization and perpetration between heterosexual and sexual minority youth. Clinicians should inquire about sexual orientation and bullying, and coordinate care for youth who may need additional support.
ISSN:1054-139X
1879-1972
DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.10.015