Implications of Bullying Victimization on Mental Health Among Male Juvenile Offenders Within a Reformatory Facility in Zambia

Bullying victimization and its impact on the mental health of incarcerated adolescents remains unclear. To address the issues, we discover the experiences and perspectives of the victims of bullying through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 20 male incarcerated juvenile offenders. Findings reveal pervasive patterns of mental health problem, including depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, low self-esteem, rumination, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms among participants. Furthermore, the behavioral and performance issues arise from victimization that impact the academic and rehabilitation programs of these juvenile offenders. Victims encounter negative environmental factors such as lacking support, deficiencies in policy clarity and implementation, severe power imbalance, and restricted movements and interactions that exacerbate the symptoms resulting from bullying victimization, consequently intensifying negative beliefs and attitudes toward their surroundings within the reformatory facility. This, in turn, affects their relationships and the overall atmosphere of the facility. The study also highlights positive coping strategies such as social support and resilience that could mitigate the deleterious consequences of bullying victimization among these victims. These factors act as buffers, helping victims navigate the challenges of bullying victimization, and maintain their well-being. Integrating theoretical frameworks such as trauma theory and psychological resilience theory, the study offers insights into the complex interplay between bullying victimization, mental health, and rehabilitation outcomes. This study discovers some unique features and deleterious effects of bullying victimization on mental health, which contribute to the existing literature on bullying victimization among a special population in a unique environment. Furthermore, the study underscores the urgent need for evidence-based interventions and policy reforms to address bullying victimization among incarcerated adolescents.