Gender and Multiple Forms of Peer Victimization: How Do They Influence Adolescent Psychosocial Adjustment?

• NCJ Number: 217003
• Journal: Violence and Victims Volume: 21 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2006 Pages: 704-724
• Author(s): Erika D. Felix Ph.D.; Susan D. McMahon Ph.D.
• Date Published: December 2006
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined links among multiple forms of peer victimization (e.g., direct physical/verbal, relational, and sexual harassment) and psychosocial adjustment among urban sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.

Abstract

The study found that students who were victimized by peers at school had higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems; however, not all forms of victimization were equally harmful to a student's well-being. Of the three types of victimization assessed, sexual harassment and physical/verbal intimidation from another student were most strongly related to problem behaviors. Adverse experiences in social interactions with peers were not significantly related to negative outcomes. Victims of sexual harassment were at greater risk for both emotional and behavior disorders. Compared to boys, girls were significantly more likely to report physical/verbal bullying by a girl, but boys and girls were equally likely to be physically or verbally victimized by boys. Boy aggressors tended to target both boys and girls; whereas girl aggressors tended to target girls. Being victimized by a girl was not significantly related to emotional or behavioral disorders for either boy or girl victims. For girls, being victimized by a boy was significantly related to emotional problems. For boys, being victimized by a male peer was related to both emotional and behavioral disorders. Sexualized and gender-related victimization must be addressed in comprehensive school programs. The sample consisted of 111 boys and girls in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades in 2 urban elementary schools. The Youth Self-Report measured emotional/behavioral problems. The Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire used self-reports to measure bully/victim problems, and the Social Experiences Questionnaire-Self Report assessed adverse experiences in peer social interactions. The Sexual Experiences Questionnaire-High School Version measured sexual harassment. 5 tables, 3 notes, and 58 references