NCJ Number
237649
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2011 Pages: 393-412
Date Published
October 2011
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined the main and stress-buffering effects of perceived social support from various sources against the manifestation of depressive symptoms for peer victims
Abstract
Students who are victimized by their peers are at risk for developing depressive symptoms, which is detrimental for academic and social development. Social support may be a protective factor for peer victims, and the manner in which this occurs may vary according to gender, age, and other demographic variables. This study examined the main and stress-buffering effects of perceived social support from various sources against the manifestation of depressive symptoms for peer victims. A convenience sample of 544 seventh and eighth graders from three middle schools completed a survey assessing depressive symptoms, peer victimization experiences, and perceived social support from parents, teachers, classmates, and a close friend. Perceived social support from parents and from a close friend buffered the manifestation of depressive symptoms for male peer victims. Main effects, but not stress-buffering effects, were found for female peer victims across all sources of support. Implications of these findings, limitations of the study, and future directions are discussed. (Published Abstract)