The paradoxical effect of social support on suicidial ideation in bullying involvement in different cultural contexts

This study examined the buffering effect of perceived social support on the association between bullying involvement and suicidal ideation. Cultural differences between Luxembourgish and Indian students were explored as well. The Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, the Participant Role Behaviour Questionnaire, and the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale were used. Data of 483 high school students aged between 12 and 18 years were analysed using hierarchical regression. Significant cultural differences between Luxembourg and India in bullying involvement, perceived social support and suicidal ideation occurred. Importantly, it was found that perceived social support did not play a buffering role, but instead highly perceived social support from a close friend intensified the relationship between high cyber- and relational victimization and suicidal ideation.