Examining the role of bullying victimisation in predicting psychopathology among in-school Nigerian adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: This paper reports on a cross-sectional study undertaken to examine the role of bullying victimisation in predicting psychopathology, encompassing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), risk of developing prodromal psychosis, and emotional and behavioural problems, among in-school Nigerian adolescents.

Methodology: Three hundred and fifty-one junior secondary students (n = 173 males, 178 females; age range: 9-17 years) were recruited from five randomly selected public secondary schools in Nigeria. Students completed a variety of self-report measures, including a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Prodromal Questionnaire – brief version, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Multidimensional Peer Victimisation Scale. They were also interviewed using the PTSD module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Kid Version.

Findings: Although bullying victimisation was not found to predict the presence of PTSD, it predicted the risk of developing prodromal psychosis. All SDQ subscales also held significant positive associations with bullying victimisation. This indicates that higher levels of victimisation are associated with increased behavioural and emotional difficulties among adolescents.

Value: The study contributes to the evidence demonstrating a need for improved understanding regarding the role of exposure to bullying victimisation in predicting various forms of psychopathology. Furthermore, there is specifically a need for research with this focus in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Nigerian education system.