CHICAGO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Bullied teens can suffer long-term mental health problems that last into early adulthood, according to a study posted on the website of the University of Michigan (UM) on Monday.

The researchers used longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to examine teen self concept as a mediator in the relationship between adolescent peer victimization and psychological distress in emerging adulthood.

They examined the responses of more than 1,400 adolescents in 2002 and 2007, who were questioned about the frequency that classmates hit them and picked on them, had their things, such as money and lunch, taken and were left out of friends' activities. In 2009 and 2013, as adults, they were asked how often in the past month they felt nervous, hopeless, sad and worthless.

Peer victimization was still associated with higher levels of psychological distress, but the impact lessened among those who had high self-esteem, the study found.

"Bully victimization damages how people view themselves in adolescence and that negative view can linger into adulthood, contributing to poor mental health," said study author Janette Norrington, UM doctoral student in sociology.

The study also indicated that verbal abuse and peer harassment are more harmful than physical victimization or social exclusion.

Intervention and mental health programs should focus on enhancing the self-concept of adolescent bully victims, Norrington said.

In addition, adult mental health programs can also address former bully victims' self-concept and help them process their past peer victimizations to improve their mental health, she said.

The study has been published in the journal Youth & Society. Enditem

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