Summary
This meta-analysis of 16 quasi-experimental studies synthesises evidence on the causal consequences of bullying victimisation in children. Using stringent quasi-experimental methods (twin design, fixed effects analysis, propensity score matching), the authors found small short-term effects on internalising symptoms (d=0.27) and smaller effects on externalising symptoms (d=0.15) and academic difficulties (d=0.10). Notably, adverse effects declined substantially in the long term, particularly for internalising symptoms (d=0.06), suggesting potential for resilience and supporting secondary prevention approaches focused on building coping capacities rather than solely addressing the bullying exposure itself.
Regional applicability
The meta-analysis draws evidence from international quasi-experimental studies but does not specify geographic distribution. Findings are applicable to United Kingdom child health and education policy, particularly regarding school-based mental health interventions and anti-bullying programmes, though the applicability depends on whether included studies representative of UK populations and school contexts.
Key measures
Cohen's d effect sizes for bullying victimisation on internalising symptoms, externalising symptoms, and academic difficulties; adjustments made for shared rater bias and time-horizon comparisons (short-term vs. long-term outcomes)
Outcomes reported
The study quantified short- and long-term causal effects of bullying victimisation on internalising symptoms, externalising symptoms, and academic difficulties in children, using quasi-experimental study designs to strengthen causal inference.
Topic tags
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