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Peer victimization in childhood and internalizing problems in adolescence: a prospective longitudinal study
Karolina Zwierzynska1, Dieter Wolke, Tanya S Lereya
1Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|September 8, 2012
Summary
Childhood peer victimization, or bullying, predicts internalizing problems like depression in early adolescence. These findings highlight the crucial role of peer relationships in mental health development.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Traumatic childhood experiences are linked to later internalizing problems.
- Peer victimization, defined as repeated intentional harm by peers, is a significant childhood stressor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if childhood peer victimization predicts internalizing symptoms in early adolescence.
- To examine the association between bullying and emotional/depression symptoms, including persistence.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 3,692 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
- Data collected from children, mothers, and teachers on bullying (ages 7-10) and internalizing problems (ages 11-14).
- Analyses controlled for prior psychopathology, family adversity, gender, and IQ.
Main Results:
- Peer victimization was associated with higher overall internalizing symptom scores.
- Victims had increased odds of severe emotional and depression symptoms, and persistent depression.
- Associations remained significant regardless of who reported the bullying (child, mother, or teacher).
Conclusions:
- Childhood peer victimization is a precursor to both short-lived and persistent internalizing symptoms.
- Peer relationships are critical environmental factors in the etiology of internalizing problems.
- Early intervention to prevent and address bullying is vital for adolescent mental health.
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