Journal of Education & Social Policy

The Mediation Effect of Hopelessness on the Relationship between Bullying Experiences and Suicidal Ideation among U.S. Adolescents
Argnue Chitiyo, George Chitiyo

Abstract
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 24 years in the United States (USA). Recently, the number of suicide cases linked to bullying among adolescents has risen. Although previous research shows a relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation among adolescents, little is known regarding the transmission mechanism through which experienced bullying translate to suicidal ideation. The Klonsky Three Step theory of suicide posits the connection between hopelessness and suicidal ideation, but this relationship has not been widely examined regarding adolescents experiencing bullying. The present study examines the extent to which hopelessness mediates the relationship between bullying and suicidal ideation among US adolescents. Results showed that hopelessness partially mediated the experiences of bullying and suicidal ideation. In addition to bullying preventative measures, it is necessary for schools and policy makers to devise measures to address hopelessness for students that report being bullied.

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