Background: Bullying during school years is a major global health problem, as adolescents who are bullied have an increased risk of physical, cognitive, and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality. According to UNESCO (2019), 32% of children experienced bullying in the past month, and 7.3% were bullied six or more times. UNICEF (2022) reports that in Kazakhstan, 63% of children have witnessed violence or discrimination, 44% have been victims, and 24% have engaged in such behavior. Rural Kazakhstan presents a unique sociocultural context, where traditional values and limited resources may influence bullying dynamics and stress responses. Aim: To determine the prevalence of bullying roles among adolescents and evaluate their impact on psychological well-being, as well as to explore the role of autonomic reactivity in bullying dynamics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adolescents aged 14–16 years from three secondary schools in Alga, Kazakhstan. Participants had no cardiovascular or neurological disorders and provided parental informed consent. Sociometric tests were used to assess bullying roles and classroom climate. Autonomic reactivity was evaluated using the cold pressor test. Results: Victims reported significantly lower levels of peer and teacher support compared to non-victims (2.0% vs. 11.2%). A significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure indicated impaired autonomic reactivity. Overall, 42.3% of adolescents demonstrated disturbances in autonomic regulation, with the most pronounced changes observed in victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. Additionally, adolescents with abnormal BMI were more likely to be involved in bullying, particularly as victims. Conclusion: Bullying roles are associated with differences in autonomic reactivity and psychological well-being. Adolescents involved in bullying, especially victims, are at increased risk of physiological dysregulation and adverse health outcomes. Targeted school-based interventions are needed to address bullying and its health consequences.
Zhexenova et al. (Thu,) studied this question.