Vulnerability to bullying victimization: an investigation of genetic and environmental risk factors in a twin-family study

Background: Bullying victimization is associated with serious short- and long-term consequences, including mental health problems. The close link between victimization and psychopathology underscores the necessity of examining potential risk factors that may increase vulnerability to victimization. The present study sought to enhance understanding of the mechanisms underlying a transgenerational transmission of the risk for victimization by examining the interplay between genes and environment.Methods: This study extended previous research by employing a nuclear twin family design comprising monozygotic and dizygotic twins, their parents, and siblings. Using data from 1,915 German population-based twin families, structural equation modelling was applied to estimate genetic and environmental components of vulnerability to bullying victimization. Longitudinal path analyses were further conducted to examine how parenting style and children's problem behaviour interact as risk factors contributing to the likelihood of being bullied.Results: Results indicated that genetic factors accounted for approximately one-third of the variance, which is most likely attributable to genetically predisposed characteristics that augment an individual's risk of being bullied by peers. Environmental influences not shared by family members accounted for the remaining variance, emphasizing the significance of environmental factors that are unique to each sibling. Furthermore, longitudinal path analyses revealed that the relationship between a positive parenting style and children's bullying victimization was mediated by children's externalizing and internalizing problem behaviour.Conclusions: The findings emphasize a complex interplay between genetically influenced risk factors and environmental conditions in explaining the development of bullying victimization. Knowledge on risk factors is crucial for effective preventions and interventions.