Disability in Relation to Different Peer-Victimization Groups and Psychosomatic Problems

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between disability, victims, perpetrators, and so-called “bully–victims” (someone reporting being both a victim and a perpetrator) of traditional, cyber, or combined victimization or perpetration and psychosomatic health among adolescents. Authors analyzed cross-sectional data from 3,820 Swedish students (ages 13 through 15) using linear and multinomial regression. The results show that students with a disability were more likely to be bully–victims and, more particularly, involved in both traditional and cyber victimization. Authors did not find any differences between adolescents with a disability and others with respect to the association between peer victimization and psychosomatic health. When developing intervention programs, schools may take a comprehensive approach due to the relatively large overlap between traditional and cyber victimization. Targeting groups with known disadvantages may also help reach out to bully–victims.