The role of cognitive appraisals in the relationship between being bullied and poor mental health.

Background 

The aim of this programme of research is to better understand the relationship between being bullied and poor mental health. We know that being bullied is related to poorer mental health, for example, those who are bullied report higher levels of depression in both the short and long term. Bullying is a chronic, stressful experience for adolescents. Therefore, we can examine the way young people appraise (evaluate) their experiences of bullying and the roles these appraisals play in the relationship between bullying and poor mental health. When doing this, we can examine primary appraisals (e.g. the evaluation of the experience as being within the control of young people or a young person feeling threatened when they experience bullying behaviours) and secondary appraisals (e.g. the perception of available social support) of bullying experiences.  In this programme of research, we conducted several projects to examine the young peoples’ cognitive appraisals of their bullying experiences. 

The researchers 

The research project was conducted by Nathalie Noret, as part of her PhD under the supervision Dr Simon Hunter (Glasgow Caledonian University) and Dr Susan Rasmussen (University of Strathclyde). 

Summary of the research findings 

To read a summary of our research findings to date, please see the following summary: 

Publications 

Noret, N., Hunter, S.C. & Rasmussen, S. (2021). The Role of Cognitive Appraisals in the Relationship Between Peer-Victimization and Depressive Symptomatology in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study. School Mental Health, 13, 548–560. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-021-09414-0

Noret, N., Hunter, S.C. & Rasmussen, S. (2020). The Role of Perceived Social Support in the Relationship Between Being Bullied and Mental Health Difficulties in Adolescents. School Mental Health, 156–168 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-019-09339-9

Noret, N., Hunter, S. C., & Rasmussen, S. (2018). The relationship between peer victimization, cognitive appraisals, and adjustment: A systematic review. Journal of School Violence, 17(4), 451-471. https://doi.org/10.1080/15388220.2017.123492