The Role of School-Based Discrimination and Bullying on Mental Health and Risk Behaviors Among U.S. Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Tilicia Mayo-Gamble

Location

Russell Union Ballroom

Type of Research

Completed

Session Format

Poster Presentation

College

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Department

Health Policy and Community Health

Abstract

This scoping review synthesizes evidence on how school-based discrimination and bullying influences adolescent mental health, and engagement in risky behaviors among U.S. adolescents aged 14-18. Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the review examined 46 studies published between 2019 and 2025. The included literature encompassed national datasets, state-level quantitative studies, and qualitative research highlighting the lived experiences of U.S. adolescents. Across studies, discrimination, whether racial, gender-based, sexual-identity related, disability/health-related, or institutional, was consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, persistent sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Bias-based bullying further intensified these emotional burdens, with multiple marginalized youth (e.g., Black, Asian American, sexual-minority, transgender, immigrant, and refugee adolescents) facing the highest risk. Discrimination-related distress also contributed to risky behaviors such as weapon carrying, substance use, truancy, and academic disengagement, with emotional distress and perceived lack of safety serving as key mediators. Protective factors identified included school connectedness, supportive adult relationships, positive ethnic-racial identity, and culturally responsive environments. Gaps remain, particularly the heavy reliance on cross-sectional designs, limited research from the Southeastern U.S., inconsistent measurement tools, and insufficient exploration of intersectional identities. This review underscores the urgent need for equity-centered school practices and evidence-based interventions addressing discrimination as a root cause of mental and behavioral health risks.

Program Description

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Start Date

4-23-2026 10:00 AM

End Date

4-23-2026 12:00 PM

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Apr 23rd, 10:00 AM Apr 23rd, 12:00 PM

The Role of School-Based Discrimination and Bullying on Mental Health and Risk Behaviors Among U.S. Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Russell Union Ballroom

This scoping review synthesizes evidence on how school-based discrimination and bullying influences adolescent mental health, and engagement in risky behaviors among U.S. adolescents aged 14-18. Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the review examined 46 studies published between 2019 and 2025. The included literature encompassed national datasets, state-level quantitative studies, and qualitative research highlighting the lived experiences of U.S. adolescents. Across studies, discrimination, whether racial, gender-based, sexual-identity related, disability/health-related, or institutional, was consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, persistent sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Bias-based bullying further intensified these emotional burdens, with multiple marginalized youth (e.g., Black, Asian American, sexual-minority, transgender, immigrant, and refugee adolescents) facing the highest risk. Discrimination-related distress also contributed to risky behaviors such as weapon carrying, substance use, truancy, and academic disengagement, with emotional distress and perceived lack of safety serving as key mediators. Protective factors identified included school connectedness, supportive adult relationships, positive ethnic-racial identity, and culturally responsive environments. Gaps remain, particularly the heavy reliance on cross-sectional designs, limited research from the Southeastern U.S., inconsistent measurement tools, and insufficient exploration of intersectional identities. This review underscores the urgent need for equity-centered school practices and evidence-based interventions addressing discrimination as a root cause of mental and behavioral health risks.