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 to 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.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community online: discussions of bullying and self-disclosure in YouTube videos

“…Previous research has investigated bullying, such as physical or verbal abuse, with regards to sexual orientation (Berlan et al 2010, Mishna et al 2009, Pilkington and D'Augelli 1995, Swearer et al 2008). These studies have indicated that those who identify as non-heterosexual are at a higher risk of victimisation than others.…”

Sexual orientation trends and disparities in school bullying and violence-related experiences, 1999–2013.

“…Sexual minority youth and those perceived to be LGB have repeatedly been found to experience school bullying at significantly higher rates than heterosexual students (Berlan, Corliss, Field, Goodman, & Austin, 2010;Kessel Schneider, O'Donnell, Stueve, & Coulter, 2012;O'Malley-Olsen, Kann, Vivilo-Kantor, Kinchen, & McManus, 2014;Williams, Connolly, Pepler, & Craig, 2005). Indeed, much school bullying often takes the form of homophobic teasing and slurs, regardless of whether it is directed at self-identified LGB youth or not (Poteat & Rivers, 2010).…”

Sexual Orientation and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids in US Adolescent Boys

“…7 One population that may be at an increased risk of misusing AAS is sexual minority (gay and bisexual) boys. Sexual minorities are at an increased risk for a variety of maladaptive outcomes, including substance use, [8][9][10] depression, 11 victimization, [12][13][14] suicidality, 9,11,15 and body image dissatisfaction. 16 There are likely a number of reasons to explain these health disparities, with one prominent theory being the sexual minority stress model.…”