An Ecosystemic Autopsy of School Bullying and Adolescent Suicide: Multi-Level Analysis and Reform Recommendations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64663/aet.68Keywords:
ecosystemic autopsy, ecological systems theory, school bullying, suicideAbstract
This research conducted an ecosystemic autopsy on a tragic incident of school bullying and the suicide of a female teenager from Jinjiang, China. Such post-crisis analysis examined the deeper, structural, and systemic factors that contributed to the tragedy, rather than merely the immediate, surface-level causes. Multiple ecosystemic levels, involving the family, school, peers, government authorities, socio-cultural environment, and developmental changes, were identified to collectively impact the psychological well-being of the adolescent and ultimately increase the risk of suicide. The possible limited parents’ sensitivity and responsiveness towards the child’s emotions, teachers’ insufficient socio-emotional and mental-health support capacity, and lack of clear rules and policies in educational departments were all contributing factors. Additionally, the socio-cultural expectations or norms surrounding self-reliance and emotional repression, as well as the complex challenges of early adolescence, further contributed to the student’s susceptibility. These findings highlight that the crisis should not be considered as an individual responsibility, but rather systemic breakdowns at various ecosystems often cascade to generate the tragic outcome. That also underscores the need for ecosystemic reforms and coordination to prevent or intervene in the future recurrence. Recommendations include psychoeducation and specialized training for parents and teachers, regular screening, assessment, and monitoring of students’ social and emotional well-being in schools, provision of confidential and stigma-free crisis support channels, as well as the establishment of clear, operationalized anti-bullying policies. However, it is worth noting that the limited data available in the public domain can constrain the depth and effectiveness of the present analysis. Therefore, this study also appeals to the relevant authorities to consider releasing more detailed information regarding this important incident, in order to promote further insights into its underlying causes and preventative measures.
References
1. Shneidman, E. S., & Farberow, N. L. (1965). The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center: A demonstration of public health feasibilities. American Journal of Public Health and the Nation’s Health, 55(1), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.55.1.21 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.55.1.21
2. Chia, K. H. (2025). The Gansu lead poisoning (PbP) incident: An ecosystemic autopsy. International Journal of Medical and Health Research, 11(5), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17374890
3. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674224575 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674028845
4. Bronfenbrenner, U., & Morris, P. A. (2006). The bioecological model of human development. In R. M. Lerner (Ed.), Handbook of child psychology (6th ed., Vol. 1, pp. 793–828). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470147658.chpsy0114 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470147658.chpsy0114
5. Young, J. (2021). Creative Clinical Psychologist. An illustration of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory [Illustration]. https://www.julietyoung.co.uk/illustrations
6. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1986). Ecology of the family as a context for human development: Research perspectives. Developmental Psychology, 22(6), 723–742. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.22.6.723 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.22.6.723
7. Xing, J., Peng, M., Deng, Z., Chan, K. L., Chang, Q., & Ho, R. T. H. (2023). The Prevalence of Bullying Victimization and Perpetration Among the School-Aged Population in Chinese Communities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 24(5), 3445-3460. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380221129595 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380221129595
8. Wang, Y., Cai, J., Wang, C., Mu, Y. F., Deng, Z. Y., Deng, A. P., Song, H. J., Huang, Y., Yin, L., Zhang, W., Jiang, T. T., Shen, W. W., & Ran, M. S. (2025). The prevalence and association of traditional bullying and cyber bullying with mental health among adolescent and youth students in China: a study after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. BMC public health, 25(1), 618. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20940-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20940-9
9. Zhang, H., & Jiang, Y. (2022). A systematic review of research on school bullying/violence in mainland China: prevalence and correlates. Journal of school violence, 21(1), 48-59. https://doi.org/10.1080/15388220.2021.1985326 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15388220.2021.1985326
10. Eyuboglu, M., Eyuboglu, D., Pala, S. C., Oktar, D., Demirtas, Z., Arslantas, D., & Unsal, A. (2021). Traditional school bullying and cyberbullying: Prevalence, the effect on mental health problems and self-harm behavior. Psychiatry research, 297, 113730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113730 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113730
11. Luo, X., Zheng, R., Xiao, P., Xie, X., Liu, Q., Zhu, K., ... & Song, R. (2022). Relationship between school bullying and mental health status of adolescent students in China: A nationwide cross-sectional study. Asian journal of psychiatry, 70, 103043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103043
12. Sun, W., Gu, F., Tan, B., Tang, S., Tang, K., Meng, J., Shen, Y., Gao, L., Li, J., Shan, S., Li, S., Xiao, W., Zhang, R., & Song, P. (2025). Gender differences in the association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms in Chinese children and adolescents. BMC public health, 25(1), 1944. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23129-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23129-w
13. Gong, Z., Reinhardt, J. D., Han, Z., Ba, Z., & Lei, S. (2022). Associations between school bullying and anxiety in children and adolescents from an ethnic autonomous county in China. Psychiatry Research, 314, 114649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114649 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114649
14. Zhang, X., Liu, L., Zhou, Z., Qi, M., & Chen, L. (2024). Prevalence and associated factors of school bullying among adolescents in Inner Mongolia, China. Heliyon, 10(17). e37201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37201 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37201
15. Tu, Y., Qing, Z. H., Lin, C. X., Yan, C. H., Yin, H. Z., Ighaede-Edwards, I. G., Cheng, S. X., & Liu, X. Q. (2024). The Prevalence and Severity of School Bullying among Left-Behind Children: A Meta-Analysis. Trauma, violence & abuse, 25(3), 1838–1852. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231195888 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231195888
16. Xin, G., Zhang, L., Chang, R., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Bullying victimization trajectories in early adolescence: The predictive role of depression, self-esteem and academic achievement. Psychological Development and Education, 39(4), 568‑579. https://link.oversea.cnki.net/doi/10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2023.04.13
17. Li, J., Sha, S., Luo, W., Zhou, W., Dong, Y., & Zhang, S. (2023). Prevalence and associated factors of school bullying among Chinese college students in Changsha, China. Journal of Affective Disorders, 326, 124–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.010
18. Wang, H., Bragg, F., Guan, Y., Zhong, J., Li, N., & Yu, M. (2023). Association of bullying victimization with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among school students: A school-based study in Zhejiang Province, China. Journal of affective disorders, 323, 361-367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.087 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.087
19. The Beijing News. (2024, March 26). A junior high school student in Jinjiang suspected of suicide due to bullying; local education bureau: Joint investigation with relevant departments. https://m.bjnews.com.cn/detail/1711432918168547.html
20. The Paper. (2024, March 26). Jinjiang Education Bureau reports junior high school student’s death from fall: Special investigation team established with public security. https://m.thepaper.cn/newsdetail_forward_26814468
21. Sohu News. (2024, March 26). Junior high school girl suspected of being bullied commits suicide; education bureau responds. https://www.sohu.com/a/766953216_100260304
22. CCTV News. (2024, March 26). Jinjiang authorities respond to a girl suspected of suicide due to bullying. https://news.cctv.com/2024/03/26/ARTIkx508zFeOYFRRIK3NXsu240326.shtml
23. Sina Education. (2024, March 27). A junior high school student in Jinjiang suspected of committing suicide due to campus bullying. https://edu.sina.cn/zxx/zxxzx/2024-03-27/detail-inaptzhr5516279.d.html
24. Fujian Provincial Department of Education. (2018, June 7). Notice on issuing the “Implementation Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Governance of Bullying in Primary and Secondary Schools in Fujian Province”. http://jyt.fujian.gov.cn/xxgk/zfxxgkzl/zfxxgkml/gfxwj/201806/t20180620_3658629.htm
25. Bowlby, J. (1969/1982). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment (2nd ed.). Basic Books. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-42256-012
26. Cassidy, J., & Shaver, P. R. (2016). Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications (3rd ed.). Guilford Press. https://www.amazon.sg/Handbook-Attachment-Research-Clinical-Applications/dp/1462525296
27. Levy, K. N., Ellison, W. D., Scott, L. N., & Bernecker, S. L. (2011). Attachment style. Journal of clinical psychology, 67(2), 193-203. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20756 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20756
28. Wu, X., Qi, J., & Zhen, R. (2021). Bullying victimization and adolescents’ social anxiety: Roles of shame and self‑esteem. Child Indicators Research, 14(2), 769‑781. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-020-09777-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-020-09777-x
29. Wang, X., Wang, H., & Wang, W. (2024). Longitudinal associations among bullying victimization, self-esteem, and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Psychology of Violence, 14(1), 56–65. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000490 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000490
30. Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2016). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3016733
31. Steeg, S., Haigh, M., Webb, R. T., Kapur, N., Awenat, Y., Gooding, P., Pratt, D., & Cooper, J. (2016). The exacerbating influence of hopelessness on other known risk factors for repeat self-harm and suicide. Journal of affective disorders, 190, 522–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.050 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.050
32. Gaydosh, L., Kelly, A., Gutin, I., Shanahan, L., Godwin, J., Harris, K. M., & Copeland, W. (2025). The Role of Despair in Predicting Self-Destructive Behaviors. Population Research and Policy Review, 44(3), 33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11113-025-09952-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11113-025-09952-4
33. Barni, D., Russo, C., & Danioni, F. (2018). Teachers’ values as predictors of classroom management styles: A relative weight analysis. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1970. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01970 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01970
34. Yang, Y., & Xie, J. (2022). The Role of Ambiguity Tolerance and Enthusiasm on Chinese University Teachers' Burnout. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 910598. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.910598 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.910598
35. Samara, M., Da Silva Nascimento, B., El-Asam, A., Hammuda, S., & Khattab, N. (2021). How Can Bullying Victimisation Lead to Lower Academic Achievement? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Mediating Role of Cognitive-Motivational Factors. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5), 2209. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052209 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052209
36. Solas-Martínez, J. L., Rusillo-Magdaleno, A., Garrote-Jurado, R., & Ruiz-Ariza, A. (2025). Association of High Levels of Bullying and Cyberbullying with Study Time Management and Effort Self-Regulation in Adolescent Boys and Girls. Education Sciences, 15(5), 563. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050563 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050563
37. Tan MK, Chia KH. Gut microbiome modulation through non-pharmacological therapy in psychiatric disorders: neurotransmitter synthesis, neuroplasticity, and brain-gut signaling. Acad J Neurol Neurosurg. 2025;2(4):68-81. https://doi.org/10.51271/AJNN-0037 DOI: https://doi.org/10.51271/AJNN-0037
38. Eisenberger, N. I., & Cole, S. W. (2012). Social neuroscience and health: neurophysiological mechanisms linking social ties with physical health. Nature neuroscience, 15(5), 669-674. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3086
39. Vaillancourt, T., Duku, E., Decatanzaro, D., Macmillan, H., Muir, C., & Schmidt, L. A. (2008). Variation in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity among bullied and non-bullied children. Aggressive behavior, 34(3), 294–305. https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.20240 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.20240
40. du Plessis, M. R., Smeekens, S., Cillessen, A. H. N., Whittle, S., & Güroǧlu, B. (2019). Bullying the Brain? Longitudinal Links Between Childhood Peer Victimization, Cortisol, and Adolescent Brain Structure. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 2706. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02706 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02706
41. Ruscio, A. M., Gentes, E. L., Jones, J. D., Hallion, L. S., Coleman, E. S., & Swendsen, J. (2015). Rumination predicts heightened responding to stressful life events in major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of abnormal psychology, 124(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000025
42. Zou, H., Huang, J., Zhang, W., Wu, J., Wu, W., & Huo, L. (2023). The effect of cyberbullying victimization and traditional bullying victimization on suicidal ideation among Chinese female college students: The role of rumination and insomnia. Journal of affective disorders, 340, 862–870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.099 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.099
43. Wen, J., Xu, Q., Jiang, Y., & Li, M. (2024). The effects of student bullying on non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in rural adolescents: the chain-mediated effects of alexithymia and ruminate thinking. Frontiers in psychology, 15, 1483408. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1483408 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1483408
44. Xie, S., Xu, J., & Gao, Y. (2020). Bullying Victimization, Coping Strategies, and Depression of Children of China. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(1-2), 195-220. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520907361 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520907361
45. Ma, T. L., & Chan, H. Y. (2021). Patterns of adolescents’ coping with bullying and peer victimization: The link to psychosocial maladjustment and the role of school bonding. International journal of bullying prevention, 3(2), 114-129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42380-020-00063-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42380-020-00063-6
46. Han, S., & Zhao, L. (2024). Relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression in middle school students: the mediating role of coping strategies and the moderating role of face consciousness. BMC psychology, 12(1), 785. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02320-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02320-5
47. Huen, J. M., Ip, B. Y., Ho, S. M., & Yip, P. S. (2015). Hope and hopelessness: The role of hope in buffering the impact of hopelessness on suicidal ideation. PloS one, 10(6), e0130073. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130073 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130073
48. Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child development, 82(1), 405-432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x
49. Zhou, X., Bambling, M., Bai, X., & Edirippulige, S. (2023). Chinese school adolescents' stress experience and coping strategies: a qualitative study. BMC psychology, 11(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01137-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01137-y
50. Fu, Y. (2024). The impact of Gaokao high-stakes testing on Student Mental Health in China: an analysis of stress levels and coping mechanisms among Senior High School Students. Research and Advances in Education, 3(5), 23-32. https://www.paradigmpress.org/rae/article/view/1136 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56397/RAE.2024.05.03
51. Butler, E. A., Lee, T. L., & Gross, J. J. (2007). Emotion regulation and culture: Are the social consequences of emotion suppression culture-specific? Emotion, 7(1), 30–48. https://doi.org/10.1037/1528-3542.7.1.30 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/1528-3542.7.1.30
52. Teuber, Z., Schreiber, S., Rueth, J. E., & Lohaus, A. (2023). Emotion regulation among Chinese and German children and adolescents: a binational comparative study. Current Psychology, 42(28), 24641-24655. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03578-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03578-x
53. Song, J., Sun, G., & Cai, R. (2022). The effects of traditional concepts on personal values among university students in China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 872768. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.872768 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.872768
54. Guyer, A. E., Caouette, J. D., Lee, C. C., & Ruiz, S. K. (2014). Will they like me? Adolescents' emotional responses to peer evaluation. International journal of behavioral development, 38(2), 155–163. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025413515627 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025413515627
55. Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bs.3830140209
56. Zou, S., Song, X., Tan, W., Deng, F., Zhang, H., Xu, H., Tao, Y., Tang, X., Tang, X., Xiong, P., Huang, H., Huang, Y., Li, L., Yang, W., Zeng, H., Liu, G., Shen, X., Zhao, H., Chen, Y., Yao, K., … Yin, L. (2022). Core self-evaluation as mediator between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in adolescents. Journal of affective disorders, 302, 361–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.093 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.093
57. Waters, S. F., Virmani, E. A., Thompson, R. A., Meyer, S., Raikes, H. A., & Jochem, R. (2010). Emotion Regulation and Attachment: Unpacking Two Constructs and Their Association. Journal of psychopathology and behavioral assessment, 32(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-009-9163-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-009-9163-z
58. Shenk, C. E., & Fruzzetti, A. E. (2011). The impact of validating and invalidating responses on emotional reactivity. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 30(2), 163–183. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2011.30.2.163 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2011.30.2.163
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Zining Ding
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
