The relationship between parent-child relationship and peer victimization: a multiple mediation model through peer...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Peer victimization is a widespread global issue.
• The interplay between parent-child relationships and peer victimization is complex and not fully understood.
• This study investigates the mediating mechanisms linking parent-child relationships to peer victimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the pathways through which parent-child relationships influence peer victimization.
• To identify the roles of peer relationships and depression as mediators.
• To quantify the mediational effects in a large sample of Chinese fourth-grade students.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 58,756 fourth-grade students (aged 10-12) in China.
• Utilized four self-report questionnaires to assess variables.
• Employed a multiple mediator model to analyze the relationships between parent-child relationship, peer victimization, peer relationship, and depression.

Main Results:

• The parent-child relationship indirectly and negatively impacted peer victimization.
• Peer relationship emerged as the strongest mediator (44.66% effect size), followed by depression (21.64%), and the combined path (18.08%).
• The total mediational effect accounted for 84.11% of the influence.

Conclusions:

• Peer relationship quality is a critical factor in mitigating the link between parent-child relationships and victimization.
• Poor parent-child and peer relationships are significant risk factors for peer victimization.
• Interventions should prioritize improving family and peer relationships in early childhood to prevent bullying.