Peer Victimization and Related Mental Health Problems in Early Adolescence: The Mediating Role of Parental and Peer Support

Peer victimization is a widespread phenomenon especially prevalent in early adolescence. This study investigates the prevalence of peer victimization and its association with mental health problems and impact on everyday life, and the possible mediating effect of parental and peer support. Data are...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of early adolescence 2017-10, Vol.37 (8), p.1142-1162
Main Authors: Rasalingam, Anurajee, Clench-Aas, Jocelyne, Raanaas, Ruth Kjærsti
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Behavior Problems
Bullying
Case Studies
Child Behavior
Child development
Early Adolescents
Emotional Problems
Foreign Countries
Hyperactivity
Mental Health
Parent Influence
Parents & parenting
Peer Influence
Peer relationships
Questionnaires
Regression (Statistics)
Screening Tests
Statistical Analysis
Teenagers
Victimization
Victims
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Summary:Peer victimization is a widespread phenomenon especially prevalent in early adolescence. This study investigates the prevalence of peer victimization and its association with mental health problems and impact on everyday life, and the possible mediating effect of parental and peer support. Data are based on a cross-sectional health survey (N = 9,707) among adolescents (10-13 years) and their parents (N = 8,210). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to measure mental health problems, as well as impact on everyday life. Approximately, 17.6% of boys and 15.3% of girls reported being peer victimized. Both genders had higher symptoms of emotional problems, conduct problems, and hyperactivity than non-peer victimized adolescents. Boys had higher symptoms of emotional problems than girls. All symptom scales were strongly associated with perceived impact on everyday life. Peer and parental support buffer mental health problems among the victimized. Study indicates the importance of interventions strengthening peer support among victimized early adolescents.
ISSN:0272-4316
1552-5449
DOI:10.1177/0272431616653474