Adolescent Peer Victimization and Physical Health Problems
Date
2016
Journal Title
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Publisher
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
Abstract
Objective: Peer victimization (PV) is a key interpersonal stressor that can be traumatizing for youth. This study evaluated the relationships between overt, relational, reputational, and cyber PV and adolescents’ somatic complaints and sleep problems. Symptoms of depression and social anxiety were examined as potential mediators. Method: Adolescents ( N = 1,162; M age = 15.80 years; 57% female; 80% Hispanic) were assessed at three time points, 6 weeks apart, using standardized measures of PV, depression, social anxiety, sleep problems, and somatic complaints. Structural equation modeling evaluated key study aims. Results: Relational, reputational, and cyber PV, but not overt PV, were directly or indirectly associated with subsequent somatic complaints and/or sleep problems. Depression and social anxiety mediated relationships between relational PV and health outcomes, whereas reputational PV was indirectly associated with somatic complaints via depression only. Discussion: The stress of PV may contribute to adolescents’ sleep problems and somatic complaints and has implications for pediatric psychologists. (Author Abstract)
Description
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Keywords
child abuse, bullying, harassment, internet, emotional effects, psychological effects, research
Citation
Herge, Whitney M. ; La Greca, Annette M. ; Chan, Sherilynn F. (2016). Adolescent Peer Victimization and Physical Health Problems. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 41(1), 15–27.