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. 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.

    Author(s):Hunter, Simon C. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3922-1252, Durkin, Kevin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6167-3407, Heim, D., Howe, Christine and Bergin, D.
    Item type:Article
    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:10 Jan 2020 03:45
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/25797
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