Psychosocial mediators and moderators of the effect of peer-victimization upon depressive symptomatology

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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 (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02253.x)

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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.

ORCID iDs

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.;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)