Bullying and Depression (page 3)

Treatment Approaches and Considerations

It is apparent that bullying is not a normal rite of passage which all youth experience without consequences. Unfortunately, involvement in bullying can result in mental health disorders such as depression. Depressed children and adolescents who are involved in bullying would benefit from evidence-based, individualized interventions that address their unique needs.  Bullying interventions should provide youth with effective strategies to cope with the bullying itself as well as manage internalizing symptoms (17).

Cognitive-behavioral approaches may be ideal for treating depression in bullies, victims, or bully-victims since Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered a well-established treatment for depression (4). For instance, the Bullying Intervention Program (BIP) (16) can be used in place of other strategies that are commonly used to deter bullying (e.g., suspensions), which tend to be ineffective (5). The BIP is designed for students who bully others and is conducted in a one-on-one format. It consists of three components that are completed during a single three-hour session: 1) assessment; 2) psychoeducation; and 3) feedback. 

Also, the BIP is advantageous due to its individualized nature, in that the session’s activities and therapist’s recommendations are tailored to meet the unique needs of the student. In general, it is vital to consider this information while selecting and developing interventions that reduce bullying behaviors and alleviate the psychological repercussions associated with victimization.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Ed., Text Revision). Washington, DC: Author.

2. Angold, A., & Costello, E. J. (2001). The epidemiology of depression in children and adolescents. In I. M. Goodyer (Ed.), The depressed child and adolescent (2^nd ed., pp. 143-178). New York: Cambridge University Press.

3. Callaghan, S., & Joseph, S. (1995). Self-concept and peer victimization among schoolchildren. Personality and Individual Differences, 18(1), 161-163. DOI: 10.1016/0191-8869(94)00127-E.

4. Compton, S. N., March, J. S., Brent, D., Albano, A. M., Weersing, V. R., & Curry, J.

(2004). Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents: An evidence-based medicine review. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43, 930-959. DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000127589.57468.bf.

5. Espelage, D. L., & Swearer, S. M. (2008). Current perspectives on linking school bullying research to effective prevention strategies. In T. W. Miller (Ed.), School Violence and Primary Prevention (pp. 335-353). New York: Springer.

6. Holt, M. K., & Espelage, D. L. (2007). Perceived social support among bullies, victims, and bully-victims. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 36, 984-994. DOI: 10.1007/s10964-006-9153-3.

7. Ivarsson, T., Broberg, A. G., Arvidsson, T., & Gillberg, C. (2005). Bullying in adolescence: Psychiatric problems in victims and bullies as measured by the youth self report (YSR) and depression self-rating scale (DSRS). Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 59(5), 365-373. DOI: 10.1080/08039480500227816.

8. Kumpulainen, K., Rasanen, E., & Puura, K. (2001). Psychiatric disorders and the use of mental health services among children involved in bullying. Aggressive Behavior, 27, 102-110. DOI: 10.1002/ab.3.

9. Mufson, L., & Pollack Dorta, K. (2003). Interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents. In A. E. Kazdin & J. R. Weisz (Eds.). Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Children and Adolescents. New York: Guilford Press.

10. Olweus, D. (1995). Bullying or peer abuse at school: Facts and intervention. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 4, 196-200. DOI: 10.1111/1467-8721.ep10772640.

11. O’Moore, M., & Kirkham, C. (2001). Self-esteem and its relationship to bullying behavior. Aggressive Behavior, 27(4), 269-283. DOI: 10.1002/ab.1010.

12. Roland, E. (2002a). Bullying, depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Educational Research, 44(1), 55-67. DOI: 10.1080/00131880110107351.

13. Roland, E. (2002b). Aggression, depression, and bullying others. Aggressive Behaviors, 28, 198-206. DOI: 10.1002/ab.90022.

14. Slee, P. T. (1995). Peer victimization and its relationship to depression among australian primary school students. Personality and Individual Differences, 18(1), 57-62. DOI: 10.1016/0191-8869(94)00114-8.

15. Smokowski, P. R., & Holland Kopasz, K. (2005). Bullying in school: An overview of types, effects, family characteristics, and intervention strategies. Children & Schools, 27(2), 101-110.

16. Swearer, S. M. & Givens, J. E. (2006). Designing an Alternative to Suspension for Middle School Bullies. Paper presented at the annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Anaheim, CA.

17. Swearer, S. M., Song, S. Y., Tam Cary, P., Eagle, J. W., & Mickelson, W. T. (2001). Psychosocial correlates in bullying and victimization: Relationship between depression, anxiety, and bully/victim status. Journal of Emotional Abuse, 2(2&3), 95-121. DOI: 10.1300/J135v02n02_07. 

18. Swearer, S. M., Wang, C., Givens, J., Berry, B., & Reinemann, D. (in press). Mood and depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Chapter to appear in S. Goldstein & C. R. Reynolds (Eds.), Handbook of Neurodevelopmental and Genetic Disorders in Children, 2^nd edition. New York: Guilford Press.

19. Weisz, J. R., Southam-Gerow, M. A., Gordis, E. B., & Connor-Smith, J. (2003). Primary and secondary control enhancement training for youth depression: Applying the deployment-focused model of treatment development and testing. In A. E. Kazdin & J. R. Weisz (Eds.), Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Children and Adolescents. New York: Guilford Press.