Scoliosis Bracing Linked to Peer Bullying Risk
Adolescents wearing corrective braces experienced higher rates of bullying than their peers, according to new research.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Autism
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Between January 2023 and June 2025, researchers tracked peer bullying experiences among adolescents treated with Chêneau braces. The study found these patients faced more frequent bullying compared to healthy control subjects.
Why it matters
Understanding the social impact of medical treatment for idiopathic scoliosis is critical for patient well-being during treatment. This research highlights the need for clinicians to address potential social stressors that accompany long-term brace usage.
A study of 31 adolescents using a Chêneau brace for a mean of 17.1 months compared to 32 controls found higher bullying scores in the brace group. The findings indicate that longer treatment duration correlated with increased reports of being bullied.
The details
The study utilized the Child and Adolescent Bullying Scale-9 (CABS-9) and the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) to evaluate psychosocial health. Patients wore their braces for a mean of 21.2 hours daily, with research showing that longer durations of treatment were linked to higher scores on the bullying scale. Notably, while bullying scores were elevated, the study found no significant differences in overall self-esteem or social anxiety between the braced and control groups.
Timeline
January 2023: Study data collection began.
June 2025: Study data collection concluded.
Health Landscape
This study contributes to the expanding body of literature regarding the psychosocial implications of orthopedic interventions in pediatric care. It sits alongside clinical efforts to balance physical scoliosis correction with the emotional health of adolescent patients.
Adolescents undergoing scoliosis bracing and their families should monitor for changes in social experiences and peer interactions during treatment. It is worth discussing any concerns regarding school environments or emotional well-being with a physician or a pediatric counselor.
The takeaway
Adolescents treated with scoliosis braces may face increased risks of peer bullying compared to their peers. Patients and parents are encouraged to track social experiences and maintain an open dialogue with their medical care team regarding the psychological impact of treatment.
Further reading
Explore more on social development and health in the Autism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
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