Association Between Peer Victimization and Parasomnias in Children: Searching for Relational Moderators

This cross-sectional study examined the moderating role of support from three key figures (mothers, teachers, friends) in the association between peer victimization and parasomnias in childhood. The sample consisted of 1150 children aged 8 years who attended elementary school. Controlling for potential confounders, hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that peer victimization was associated with a higher level of parasomnias, equally for both girls and boys. However, for girls, the predictive association of peer victimization with parasomnias was moderated by the level of support in relationships with either their parents, their teachers, or their friends. The findings suggest that somatic symptoms such as sleep problems may be a first indicator that a child is being bullied. Because parents, teachers as well as friends can play a key role in preventing the development of parasomnias, it may be useful to help bullied children develop strong bonds within at least one of these relationships.