Although many experts believe that being bullied or excluded by one’s peers leads to depression, evidence from a new study suggests that the traits depressed children already possess make them more susceptible to bullying and being social outcasts.
As CNN reports, the study, which was published in the journal Child Development, suggests that children and adolescents who “cry easily, express negative emotions, and show other signs of depression ultimately suffer socially” because they become prime targets for bullies and are excluded by their peers.
“Bullies target youth who are unlikely to fight back,” lead author Karen P. Kochel told CNN. “Youth who are depressed really have the potential to appear vulnerable, and are easy marks for victimization, unfortunately.”
Heather Rudow is a staff writer for Counseling Today. Email her at hrudow@counseling.org.