"[Y]ou would think that maybe they would grow out of it — but it's not what we're showing"

Researchers found that at age 50, those who’d been bullied – particularly those who were repeatedly bullied — reported somewhat poorer physical health than those who hadn’t been, and also had an increased incidence of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. They also had lower education attainment; memory tests indicated that they tended, as a group, to have somewhat poorer cognitive function than those who weren’t bullied.

Advertisement

The study accounted for other factors that might have confounded the results, Arseneault says, such as poverty during childhood, family conflict and evidence of physical and sexual abuse. Though the study couldn’t definitively say the bullying caused the long-lasting problems, Arseneault says, other studies and statistical tests suggest the association is more than coincidental.

“In terms of relationship, they seem to be less likely to live with a partner, and to have friends who they can speak to or rely on if they’re sick,” Arseneault tells Shots. “As they get older, you would think that maybe they would grow out of it — but it’s not what we’re showing.”

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Trending on HotAir Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement