Bullying Triggers Brain Stress Responses, Study Shows
Bullying triggers strong stress responses in the brain, affecting both adolescents and adults, a new study reveals.
Why it matters
- Bullying has direct, measurable effects on the brain's stress and emotion systems.
- Shows bullying is not just a social issue but a physical threat detected by the brain.
- Highlights the need for early intervention to prevent long-term mental health effects.
By the numbers
- Study included adolescents aged 11–14 and adults.
- Bullying videos triggered stronger responses in adolescents' brains.
- Adults who experienced school bullying showed weaker brain responses, suggesting long-term adaptation.
The big picture
- Bullying can cause serious and lasting mental health impacts.
- Even a single bullying event can trigger stress responses in the brain.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing bullying at an early stage.
What they're saying
- Some commenters share personal experiences of lasting stress from bullying.
- Others suggest the findings are somewhat intuitive.
- Experts highlight the need for early prevention of bullying.
Caveats
- Study used videos of bullying, not real-life situations.
- Long-term effects inferred from brain responses, not tracked over time.
What’s next
- Further research could explore long-term impacts and effective interventions.
- Schools and communities may need to prioritize anti-bullying programs based on these findings.