The Association Between Bullying and Early Stages of Suicidal Ideation in Late Adolescents in Greece

The association between bullying behaviour & early stages of suicide ideation was tested in a sample of Greek adolescents. 5614 pupils, age 16-18 years, were screened in the first phase & a stratified random sample of 2431 were selected for a detailed interview in the second phase. Victims of bullying behaviour were more likely to express suicide ideation. This association was particularly strong for those who were bullied on a weekly basis & it was independent of the presence of psychiatric morbidity. Being a perpetrator was not associated with this type of ideation after adjustment. Findings were similar for boys & girls, although the population impact of victimization in the prevalence of suicide ideation was potentially higher for boys. (53 refs.) JA