Factors Related to Immigrant/Nonimmigrant Children's Experience of Being Bullied: An Analysis Using the Multiple Disadvantage Model

Community Ment Health J. 2022 May;58(4):689-700. doi: 10.1007/s10597-021-00873-y. Epub 2021 Jul 14.

Abstract

Applying the multiple disadvantage model, a study of children in the United States examined experiences of being bullied in terms of 5 factors: social disorganization, social structural factors, social relationships, mental health and access to care, and acculturation. The study was a secondary data analysis of 19,882 immigrant and non-immigrant children, using data from the 2018 National Survey of Children's Health. Logistic regression results show children's likelihood of being bullied to be associated positively with racial discrimination; child mental health problem (either attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, behavioral/conduct problem, or Tourette Syndrome); family substance use; being female; being age 6-10; being age 11-13; and parent education level. Likelihood of being bullied was associated negatively with safe neighborhood; being Black; being Asian; family cohesiveness; neighbor support; parent mental health; being a first- or second-generation immigrant; and parent age. The results imply the usefulness of interventions promoting racial harmony and family support.

Keywords: Acculturation; Bullying victimization; Family support; Mental health; Racial discrimination.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Bullying* / psychology
  • Child
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Parents / psychology
  • United States / epidemiology