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Sibling Bullying Suggested to Contribute to Eating Disorders
Sibling Bullying: A Factor in Worsening Mental Health
With many factors having the potential to contribute to the progression of an eating disorder, researchers are continuing to explore this complex disease. One factor, more recently highlighted, is bullying, and the effects of bullying on self-esteem, body image, and the risk for developing an eating disorder. Sadly, the number of individuals who have been a victim of bullying are staggering, with statistics revealing that 77% of students have been bullied, either mentally, physically, or verbally [1]. The connection between bullying and eating disorders is undeniable, with bullying found to be a significant factor in the development of eating disorders, among other mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression [2]. In fact, bullying is such a significant problem; it has been identified as a major public health concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [3].
Thankfully, more preventative efforts have focused their attention on peer bullying, with renewed recognition on the problematic issue this is becoming. However, little has been known or understood about the impact of sibling bullying, until now.
A study recently published in the July issue of Pediatrics investigated the impact of sibling aggression and mental health. While aggression between siblings is something perhaps perceived as a “normal” and “common” part of growing up, this study has demonstrated that bullying and aggressive behavior by a sibling can be as destructive as bullying by a peer, worsening overall mental health [4].
In this new study, which involved thousands of child and adolescent participants from around the country, measures of mental health and different types of victimizations were assessed, such as the impact of physical assaults, threats, verbal abuse, and destruction of property. Over 3,500 children and youth were interviewed about victimization in the past year with mental health distress scores assessed. Researchers found that sibling aggression in the past year was associated with significantly worse mental health for both children and adolescents seen in all types of sibling aggression – from mild to severe [4].
Lead author of the study, Dr. Corinna Jenkins Tucker, noted, “Historically [sibling bullying] has been accepted as something that’s normal, as something that’s benign. Oftentimes it’s just dismissed. Some people actually view it as a good thing, thinking it teaches kids how to fight and develop conflict resolution skills.” The study, which is the first of its kind to analyze the consequences of sibling aggression, has shown the complexities of mental health problems in youth, revealing that sibling bullying can in fact be detrimental and harmful to the victim.
With eating disorders arising in children and adolescents at younger and younger ages, it is important to understand the multiple factors that can play a part in overall mental health, including sibling and peer bullying alike. Eating disorders, among other mental health issues, can continue to be effectively treated with increased awareness, understanding, and prevention. By focusing on the factors that can possibly be intervened during childhood and adolescence, perhaps, a means of preventing eating disorders can slowly be achieved.
References:
[1]: http://bullyingfacts.info/bullying-statistics/ [2]: RIITTAKERTTU KALTIALA-HEINO, MATTI RIMPELÄ, PÄIVI RANTANEN, ARJA RIMPELÄ. Bullying at school—an indicator of adolescents at risk for mental disorders. Journal of Adolescence, Volume 23, Issue 6, December 2000, Pages 661–674 http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/jado.2000.0351 [3]: Measuring Bullying, Victimization, Perpetration, and Bystander Experiences: A Compendium of Assessment Tools. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullycompendium-a.pdf [4]: Tucker, et al. Association of Sibling Aggression with Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Pediatrics 2013; 132:1 79-84.
Jacquelyn Ekern founded Eating Disorder Hope in 2005, driven by a profound desire to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. This passion resulted from her battle with, and recovery from, an eating disorder.
