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Peer victimization and peer rejection during early childhood
Stephanie A Godleski1, Kimberly E Kamper, Jamie M Ostrov
1a Research Institute of Addictions , University at Buffalo, SUNY.
Summary
Peer rejection predicts more relational victimization in young children. Better emotion regulation skills reduce peer rejection and physical victimization, offering pathways for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Peer victimization is linked to adverse developmental and clinical outcomes.
- Predictors like peer rejection and emotion regulation in early childhood are crucial for understanding victimization pathways.
- Limited research exists on the developmental course of peer victimization subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prospective associations between relational/physical victimization and peer rejection in early childhood.
- To examine the roles of peer rejection and emotion regulation in victimization development.
- To address gaps in the literature on peer victimization and rejection dynamics.
Main Methods:
- A short-term longitudinal study (3.5 months) with 97 preschoolers (ages 3-5).
- Data collected via observations, research assistant reports, and teacher reports.
- Measured relational/physical aggression, victimization, peer rejection, and emotion regulation.
Main Results:
- Peer rejection prospectively predicted increases in relational victimization.
- Emotion regulation prospectively predicted decreases in peer rejection and physical victimization.
- Path analyses supported the integrated model of victimization and rejection.
Conclusions:
- Early childhood peer rejection can escalate into relational victimization.
- Developing emotion regulation skills may mitigate peer rejection and physical victimization.
- Interventions should focus on coping strategies for peer rejection and emotional distress.
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