Psychosocial mediators and moderators of the effect of peer-victimization upon depressive symptomatology
Hunter, Simon C. and Durkin, Kevin and Heim, D. and Howe, Christine and Bergin, D. (2010) Psychosocial mediators and moderators of the effect of peer-victimization upon depressive symptomatology. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51 (10). pp. 1141-1149. ISSN 0021-9630
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Abstract
Intervention strategies and developmental models of stress have been criticized for failing to integrate social psychological variables. This study investigates both self-referential cognitive mediators (perceived threat and control) and a social psychological moderator (ethnic/religious identity) of the effect of peer-victimization upon depressive symptomatology. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 924 students (46% female), aged 8 to 12 years. Experiences of discriminatory and non-discriminatory peer-victimization, threat and control appraisals, depressive symptoms, and strength of main identity were assessed. Perceived threat partially mediated the effect of peer-victimization (regardless of whether it was discriminatory or not) on depressive symptoms. Perceived control partially mediated the effect of non-discriminatory peer-victimization on depressive symptoms. Strength of ethnic/religious identity buffered the effect of peer-victimization on depressive symptoms. Victimization perceived to be discriminatory in nature was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms than non-discriminatory victimization. Findings support calls for a greater emphasis to be placed on social psychological variables in explaining depressive symptomatology. For clinical, counseling and intervention purposes, it is important to examine whether victims perceive peer-victimization as discriminatory and whether their own strength of identity affects symptomatology.
Creators(s): |
Hunter, Simon C. ![]() ![]() | Item type: | Article |
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ID code: | 25797 |
Keywords: | appraisal, depression, discrimination, peer victimization, social identity, Psychology, Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health, Psychiatry and Mental health, Developmental and Educational Psychology |
Subjects: | Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology |
Department: | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) > School of Psychological Science and Health > Psychology Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > Psychology |
Depositing user: | Miss Lisa McWhinnie |
Date deposited: | 06 Jul 2010 14:19 |
Last modified: | 05 Mar 2021 03:44 |
URI: | https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/25797 |
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