Purpose: The aim of this paper was to explore the impact of childhood school bullying on subsequent mental health from the perspective of young adults with mental health problems.
Background: Quantitative studies have highlighted the negative impact of school bullying on subsequent mental health during adulthood in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, however these studies are unable to explain how the perception of and coping response to being bullied in school during childhood may influence subsequent mental health. A qualitative study allows for greater understanding of cognitive and emotional responses to victimisation.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young adults with affective disorders and interview data were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Findings & Conclusions: Four superordinate themes were derived: (1) Feelings of exclusion affecting trust in others; (2) I am no good; (3) Troubled by overwhelming torment and unfairness; (4) Not within my control, suggesting the possible roles of maladaptive cognitions, negative internal models, poor coping ability and helplessness in the development of poor mental health. These findings have implications for the use of cognitive or attachment based interventions for victims of bullying
