Many factors can influence the likelihood of substance use in young adults, including certain personality traits. New research has investigated the link between these traits, the impact of bullying perpetration and victimization, and substance use, highlighting key factors and associations.Â
The hidden pathway: Bullying, emotions, and addiction risk
Lambe et al (2026) investigated the links between bullying, emotional distress, and substance use among adolescents and how these links persist into adulthood. They examined how maladaptive traits found in adolescence, including anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, hopelessness, and sensation seeking, might be associated with bullying involvement. [1]
Five key groupings of personality traits and bullying involvement were found:Â
- High victimization and inhibited personality.
- High perpetration and victimization, and an impulsive personality.
- High-risk personality, including maladaptive traits.
- Resilient and inhibited personality.
- Resilient and externalizing personality.
Group 3 exhibited the highest emotional distress, followed by groups 1 and 2. People who perpetrate bullying are most likely to belong to group 2. Substance use was highest among those who bully others and exhibit personality vulnerability, such as impulsivity. [1]
The study also indicates a bidirectional link between bullying and substance use, with the occurrence of either increasing the likelihood of the other.
Long-term effects
The effects of bullying can persist into adulthood and increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). They can also impact socio-economic functioning, affecting employment, interpersonal relationships, and physical health. [1]
In adulthood, victims of bullying in adolescence are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms, self-harm, suicidal ideation, inflammation, and somatic illnesses. [2][3]
Conversely, perpetrators of bullying in adolescence are most likely to use illicit substances, experience signs of ASPD or psychopathology, engage in criminal behavior, have trouble finding and maintaining employment, and experience reduced financial responsibility in adulthood. [2]
In adulthood, people who are both perpetrators and victims of bullying in adolescence are likely to experience signs of ASPD and psychopathology, anxiety, depression, and other internalized issues, psychotic symptoms, self-harm, physical health issues, including chronic pain, and issues around employment and finances. [2]
The role of personality traits
Risk factors include traits such as introversion, impulsivity, and anxiety sensitivity. Impulsivity is found to be the highest risk factor, as it is likely to drive both behaviors: bullying others and substance use. Additionally, people who are both perpetrators and victims of bullying have the highest level of emotional distress and substance use, indicating significant links between these traits and behaviors. [1]
Protective factors can include extroversion, resilience, and strong support networks and social interaction. Extroversion can protect against the internalization of mental health concerns such as depression, which is significantly linked to both emotional distress and substance use in adolescence and adulthood. [1]
Why are emerging adults at risk?
Adolescents are at a particularly high risk of the effects of bullying involvement and emotional distress on substance use. This can be related to several factors, including: [4]
- Developing brain and personality: In adolescence, the brain is continuing to develop, impacting behaviors and personality traits. This can lead to increased impulsivity, emotional imbalances, and impaired decision-making, potentially resulting in increased risky behavior and emotional distress.
- Peer pressure and social status: Young people are likely to be influenced by their peers, particularly relating to experimentation with substances and peer interactions.
Spotting risk early
Spotting risks early can allow for early implementation of intervention and support, which can help reduce the risks through adolescence and into adulthood. Some warning signs that could be associated with bullying victimization or perpetration, emotional distress, and substance use include:
- Sudden changes in behavior and mood, including changes in friendships, withdrawing and isolating from others, increased fear and anxiety, poor self-esteem, irritability, and aggression.
- Decline in grades or school attendance.
- Unexplained or unusual injuries, which may be linked to self-harm or harm from others.
- Changes in sleep patterns or often appearing very tired.
- Stealing or asking for money often.
- Lying or avoiding interactions with parents.
Prevention and early intervention
Early intervention is often crucial in managing emotional distress, bullying, and substance use risk. This can be implemented within the school or peer groups, with education and multi-tiered support focused on mental health and substance use risks. [5]
For high-risk groups, including those with high levels of emotional distress and bullying perpetrators or victims, interventions should be tailored to each individual, with personality-focused strategies. For example, specific traits can be targeted within these interventions, such as impulsivity or introversion. [5][6]
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could be particularly helpful. It is an evidence-based treatment for various types of mental health symptoms and substance use concerns. CBT can help people learn to recognize and alter harmful or negative thought patterns and behaviors while learning positive coping strategies. [5][6]
How to get help
Seeking support and advice can involve consulting with a primary care physician. They can assess the circumstances, implement necessary interventions, or signpost or refer to appropriate service providers.
Parents or guardians who are worried about their child being involved in bullying, either as a perpetrator or victim, may wish to speak with staff at their child’s school. The school can then implement education and support among the student population to help manage these situations.
Different types of therapy might be helpful depending on the situation, including family therapy, child and adolescent psychotherapy, or CBT.
Final thought
Bullying involvement, emotional distress, and substance use can all be linked to one another and may share risk factors and long-term consequences. Supportive and open family communication, along with specific parenting techniques, can both help to reduce the impact of these risks, while professional support can be beneficial for both parents and young people.
