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

Abstract

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.

Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Health Problems among Chinese Adolescents with Frequent Peer Victimization Experiences

“…Thirdly, physical inaccessibility and lack of communication with parents may disrupt parent-child attachment, detrimental to emotional regulation [ 60 ]. We also found that more social support predicted fewer mental health problems, which confirmed previous findings [ 61 , 62 ]. According to the main effect model of social support, social support may directly protect an individual when experiencing stressful events [ 63 ].…”

The Role of Psychosocial Stress on a Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents with Problematic Behaviors

“…Thus, positive parenting is associated with decreased levels of psychosocial stress and better self-regulation in adolescents, so they can better cope with stressful situations [ 34 , 35 ]. Furthermore, we count on evidence that a parent–adolescent relationship built on support, communication, and caring renders adolescents less likely to develop problematic behaviors when faced with individual stressful situations, such as peer victimization [ 17 , 36 , 37 ]. Regarding individual protective factors, emotional intelligence in adolescents appears to moderate the negative impact of perceived psychosocial stress [ 38 , 39 ].…”

Peran Dukungan Sosial Teman Sebaya Terhadap Ketahanan Psikologis Remaja Yang Mengalami Konflik

“…Pada tahun 2014-2015 sebesar 20,8% remaja usia 12-18 tahun (lebih dari 5 juta) melaporkan bahwa mereka telah di buli di sekolah (Lessne & Yanez, 2016). Data lain menunjukkan 17,6% anak laki-laki dan 15,3% anak perempuan dilaporkan menjadi korban bullying (Rasalingam, Clench-Aas, & Raanaas, 2016).…”