Externalizing Problems and Mental Health Symptoms Mediate the Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and Addictive Behaviors

Victims of bullying are more likely to engage in addictive behaviors and experience mental health problems. However, the pathway by which bullying victimization and mental health problems predict engagement in multiple addictive behaviors remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare two mediation models in their prediction of engagement in multiple addictive behaviors. Survey responses were collected from 6641 high-school students aged 12 to 19. Measures include frequency of bullying victimization, past month use of alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, past year gambling, and the presence of anxiety, depression, and externalizing problems. Results indicate that the model with mental health symptoms and externalizing problems as mediators provided the better prediction of engagement in multiple addictive behaviors. Overall, the comparison of these mediation models clarifies the relationship between bullying victimization and addictive behaviors and the role of mental health symptoms and externalizing problems in this relationship.