Impact of direct and indirect bullying on the mental health of university students in Mexico

This study examined the relationship between victimisation by bullying (direct, indirect, and mixed) and mental health in Mexican university students. A total of 271 students participated and were assessed for bullying, depression, anxiety, stress, and problematic substance use. The results showed that indirect forms of bullying (social exclusion, gossip/rumours) were more frequent than direct forms, and that social exclusion was higher among males. Mixed victimisation was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, while direct or indirect victimisation, separately, did not show consistent associations with other variables. Higher prevalence of anxiety was also observed in students from public institutions and in those who identified as LGBTQ+. No differences in problematic substance use were found between victimisation groups; however, belonging to the LGBTQ+ community doubled that risk. In addition, a clear dose-response pattern was evident: the greater the number of episodes of violence, the higher the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, an effect that remained when controlling for covariates. In conclusion, the accumulation of violence, especially the coexistence of direct and indirect aggression, constitutes the main risk to mental health at university. This highlights the need for interventions that address the frequency and simultaneity of victimisation experiences.