Does Racial/Ethnic Identity Influence the Association Between Middle Childhood Bullying Victimization and Adolescent Risk Behaviors?

Bullying negatively impacts child development, increasing risks for deviant behaviors and poor health outcomes. Racial/ethnic minority youth experience high rates of bullying. This study examines the relationship between the frequency of middle childhood bullying victimization and adolescent risk behaviors, including fighting, marijuana use, sexual activity, physical inactivity, and sleep problems. Racial/ethnic differences in these associations are also explored. An analytical sample of 2,678 children and their primary caregivers was derived from Waves 1 (birth), 5 (age 9), and 6 (age 15) of the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Frequency of middle childhood bullying victimization was assessed via a composite index, and risk behaviors were self-reported or reported by primary caregivers. Path and multi-group path analyses examined associations between bullying victimization and risk behaviors and whether racial/ethnic differences existed. Frequent bullying victimization significantly predicted fighting, sleep problems, and physical inactivity, but not sexual activity or marijuana use. While our multi-group path analysis found no statistically significant racial/ethnic differences in the association between frequent bullying victimization and the outcome variables, the findings do indicate that Latino/Hispanic youth had higher levels of risk behavior outcomes. Bullying victimization can have lasting consequences for all young people. Social personnel are crucial in early intervention initiatives to combat and alleviate the harmful effects of bullying and to foster healthy development.