Bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents and young adults and associations to their mental health, loneliness and stress

Bullying among young people is a complex phenomenon that can lead to severe and long-lasting consequences. The aim of the study was to explore experiences of bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents and young adults, including the relationship to young people’s mental health, loneliness, and stress. A qualitative exploratory study, data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A total of 35 young people (17–28 years) participated. Two main categories were created: (1) Experiences of bullying and cyberbullying, and (2) Consequences of bullying. Also six subcategories were formed: Have witnessed bullying, been bullied or have bullied, Attitudes to bullying, Negative impact on mental well-being, Loneliness, exclusion, and negative impact on relationships, Change of self and impact on schooling, Impact on coping strategies and positive consequences. Underscored is the need for comprehensive approaches to prevention and intervention that address both individual experiences and the social and structural conditions in which bullying occurs.