{"id":37700,"date":"2018-03-16T10:00:49","date_gmt":"2018-03-16T17:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=37700"},"modified":"2018-03-14T16:05:02","modified_gmt":"2018-03-14T23:05:02","slug":"study-explores-interventions-for-stigma-based-bullying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/study-explores-interventions-for-stigma-based-bullying-0316181","title":{"rendered":"Study Explores Interventions for Stigma-Based Bullying"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ABullying<\/a> based on stigma<\/a> or discrimination can be especially harmful. Bullies may target a child<\/a> for their weight, religion, disability, or other traits. \u00a0A Developmental Review<\/em> study says anti-bullying programs are unevenly distributed among sociological categories. The authors say more research on interventions might reduce bullying among specific groups.<\/p>\n

Preventing Stigma-Based Bullying<\/h2>\n

The study screened 8,240 articles published between 2000 and 2015. It included 22 studies addressing 21 different interventions for discriminatory bullying. The study found the number of stigma-based bullying interventions has increased with time. Between 2000 and 2007, only six such programs appeared in peer-reviewed journals. Between 2008 and 2015, researchers published 16 interventions.<\/p>\n

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This data suggests investigators are taking the problem more seriously. However, the study found an uneven distribution of programs. Over the last 15 years, programs addressing LGBTQ+ issues<\/a> have grown more common. Yet the study\u2019s authors located only two programs that directly addressed racism<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bystander intervention and other generalized anti-bullying approaches have proven successful. Yet programs that target stereotypes<\/a> might be necessary to fight discriminatory bullying. According to the study authors, they may also help prevent gun violence at schools. Many school shooters have a history of gender-based harassment and\/or racial prejudice. Addressing discrimination<\/a> early on may prevent behaviors from escalating.<\/p>\n

Bullying and Mental Health<\/h2>\n

While some adults treat bullying as a rite of passage, research points to the long-lasting damage the experience can cause. A 2015 study<\/a> found bullied children were more likely to experience anxiety and depression than survivors of childhood abuse. Research published in 2014<\/a> suggests the effects of bullying may extend into adulthood.<\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kids who bully are more likely to have:<\/p>\n