What are the long-term effects of mean girl behavior?
Mean girl behavior can have enduring consequences on those affected. Targets may experience persistent emotional and psychological effects, such as diminished self-esteem, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-harm tendencies, and difficulty establishing trusting connections with others. Mean girl behavior also affects the individuals who engage in such behavior. These individuals may develop aggressive behavior, struggle with empathy, and have difficulties forming healthy relationships, which can affect their mental health and well-being.