Identity ‐based bullying and mental health among Black and Latino youth: The moderating role of emotional suppression

AbstractThe current study examined the prevalence of identity-based bullying, the unique links between identity-based bullying and mental health (i.e., depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS]), and emotional suppression as a potential moderator of these links. Participants were 899 clinic-referred Black and Latino youth aged 7 –18 years (M = 13.37 years,SD = 2.75, 60.8% female). Regression analyses indicated youth who experienced identity-based bullying victimization reported worse depressive symptoms and PTSS, controlling for co-occurring trauma exposure and demographic characteristics. We did not find evidence that emotional suppression moderated these associations. The findings highlight the potentially traumatic nature of identity-based bullying victimization in treatment-seeking Black and Latino youth and speak to the need for identity-based bullying risk screening.

Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress - March 29, 2023 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Lauren Alvis, Robyn D. Douglas, Benjamin Oosterhoff, Noni K. Gaylord ‐Harden, Julie B. Kaplow Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research