Sexual Orientation and Bullying Among Adolescents in the Growing Up Today Study

• Published in: Journal of adolescent health 2010-04, Vol.46 (4), p.366-371
• Main Authors: Berlan, Elise D., M.D, Corliss, Heather L., Ph.D, Field, Alison E., Sc.D, Goodman, Elizabeth, M.D, Bryn Austin, S., Sc.D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior - psychology; Adult; Aggression - psychology; Biological and medical sciences; Bullying; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dominance-Subordination; Female; Heterosexuality - psychology; Heterosexuality - statistics & numerical data; Heterosexuals; Homosexuality, Female - psychology; Homosexuality, Female - statistics & numerical data; Homosexuality, Male - psychology; Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Lesbians; Male; Medical sciences; Men; Pediatrics; Peer Group; Psychology, Adolescent; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Sex Distribution; Sex Factors; Sexual behavior; Sexual Harassment - psychology; Sexual Harassment - statistics & numerical data; Sexual orientation; Students - psychology; Students - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States - epidemiology; Victimization; Victimology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1054-139X; 1879-1972
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.10.015

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between sexual orientation and past-year reports of bullying victimization and perpetration in a large sample of American youth. Methods Survey data from 7,559 adolescents aged 14–22 who responded to the 2001 wave questionnaire of the Growing Up Today Study were examined cross-sectionally. Multivariable generalized estimating equations regression was performed using the modified Poisson method. We examined associations between sexual orientation and past-year bully victimization and perpetration with heterosexuals as the referent group, stratifying by gender and controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and weight status. Results Compared to heterosexual males, mostly heterosexual males (risk ratio [RR]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13, 1.86) and gay males (RR 1.98; CI: 1.39, 2.82) were more likely to report being bullied. Similarly, mostly heterosexual females (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.03), bisexual females (RR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.31), and lesbians (RR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.76, 6.41) were more likely to report being bullied than were heterosexual females. Gay males (RR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.84) were much less likely to report bullying others than were heterosexual males. Mostly heterosexual females (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.42, 2.04) and bisexual females (RR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.80, 3.24) were more likely to report bullying others than heterosexual females. No lesbian participants reported bullying others. Conclusions There are significant differences in reports of bullying victimization and perpetration between heterosexual and sexual minority youth. Clinicians should inquire about sexual orientation and bullying, and coordinate care for youth who may need additional support.