The Protective Role of Connectedness on Depression and Suicidal Ideation Among Bully Victimized Youth

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined the relationship between connectedness subtypes (family, school, community) and youth depression and suicidal ideation across a 6-month period within a sample of bully victimized youth. Participants were 142 youth (74.6% female, 47.18% African American, 36.62% Caucasian), 12-15 years of age (M = 13.6, SD = 1.12), recruited from an emergency department, who screened positive for elevated levels of bullying victimization and were reevaluated at a 6-month follow-up assessment. Data on bullying victimization, depression, suicidal ideation, and connectedness (family, school, community) were collected at baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments. Separate Bayesian mixed models were used to examine the effects of connectedness (family, school, community) on depression and suicidal ideation while accounting for dependent observations across time points. Prospectively, family and school connectedness were negatively associated with depression and suicidal ideation. Across time points, community connectedness was negatively associated with suicidal ideation. Results highlight the importance of acknowledging and understanding subtypes of interpersonal connectedness among victimized youth as the three subtypes examined (family, school, community) were associated with depression and suicidal ideation. Findings support the importance of bolstering distinct subtypes of connectedness in efforts to improve functioning and attenuate suicide risk among victimized youth.

Perceived Burdensomeness Among Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Contexts in Which Perceptions of Burdensomeness Occur

“…Research on adolescent development indicates that the frequency and intensity of parent-child conflict peaks around middle adolescence and is often driven by the process autonomy development (Smetana, Campione-Barr, & Metzger, 2006). While this finding is novel (specifically as it relates to family communication and perceived burdensomeness), it aligns with prior research that has identified family conflict and communication difficulties with family members as risk factors for suicide in adolescence (Arango et al, 2018;Connor & Reuter, 2006;Halstead, Pavkov, Hecker, & Seliner, 2014).…”

Short‐term change and prediction of suicidal ideation among adolescents: a daily diary study following psychiatric hospitalization

“…Increasing social support, particularly in the domain of the family, is often a key focus of interventions for adolescents at risk for suicide, including our MI‐enhanced safety planning intervention pilot (Czyz, King, & Biermann, ). However, to inform tailored interventions for adolescents at suicide risk and identify the most promising mechanisms of change, it would be informative to consider if different forms of connectedness (e.g., family, peers, school)—previously found to have distinct relationship with suicidal thoughts and behavior among teens (Arango et al., ; Czyz, Liu, & King, ; Kaminski et al., )—may be differentially associated with near‐term risk.…”

Are Loneliness and Emotional Intelligence Important Factors for Adolescents? Understanding the Influence of Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimisation on Suicidal Ideation

“…Using Joiner's (2005) interpersonal theory of suicide, after experiencing traditional victimisation, adolescents may be frustrated when their desire to connect with others is not fulfilled. Loneliness and social isolation may ensue (i.e., thwarted belongingness) which, in turn, would heighten the risk of suicidal ideation (see Arango et al, 2018;Hong et al, 2015;McKinnon et al, 2016).…”