It gets better or does it? Peer victimization and internalizing problems in the transition to young adulthood

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Peer victimization is a known predictor of internalizing symptoms in youth.
• Limited research exists on the long-term mental health impacts of peer victimization extending into young adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe patterns of physical and relational victimization during and after high school.
• To examine associations between internalizing symptoms and peer victimization from adolescence to young adulthood (ages 12-27).

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey, a five-wave multicohort study (N = 662).
• Data were collected biennially between 2003 and 2011, covering ages 12-27.
• Analyzed concurrent and prospective associations between physical/relational victimization and depressive/anxious symptoms.

Main Results:

• Physical victimization remained low and stable across the study period.
• Relational victimization increased for males post-high school.
• Both physical and relational victimization were concurrently linked with internalizing symptoms in young adulthood for both sexes.
• High school victimization predicted increased internalizing problems over time.

Conclusions:

• Peer victimization, particularly relational forms, continues to be associated with internalizing symptoms into young adulthood.
• Sex differences in victimization patterns and their impact warrant further investigation.
• Early intervention for peer victimization may mitigate long-term mental health consequences.