Prospective linkages between peer victimization and externalizing problems in children: a meta-analysis

• Published in: Aggressive behavior Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 215 - 222
• Main Authors: Reijntjes, Albert, Kamphuis, Jan H., Prinzie, Peter, Boelen, Paul A., van der Schoot, Menno, Telch, Michael J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01-05-2011
• Subjects: Bullying - psychology; Child; Children; Crime Victims - psychology; Externalizing problems; Humans; Internalizing problems; Interpersonal Relations; longitudinal; meta-analysis; Peer Group; Peer relationships; peer victimization; Social Behavior; Victimization; Young people; youth
• ISSN: 0096-140X; 1098-2337
• DOI: 10.1002/ab.20374

Previous meta‐analytic research has shown both concurrent and prospective linkages between peer victimization and internalizing problems in youth. However, the linkages between peer victimization and externalizing problems over time have not been systematically examined, and it is therefore unknown if externalizing problems are antecedents of victimization, consequences of victimization, both, or neither. This study provides a meta‐analysis of 14 longitudinal studies examining prospective linkages between peer victimization and externalizing problems (n=7,821). Two prospective paths were examined: the extent to which peer victimization at baseline predicts future residualized changes in externalizing problems, as well as the extent to which externalizing problems at baseline predict future residualized changes in peer victimization. Results revealed significant associations between peer victimization and subsequent residualized changes in externalizing problems, as well as significant associations between externalizing problems and subsequent residualized changes in peer victimization. Hence, externalizing problems function as both antecedents and consequences of peer victimization. Aggr. Behav. 37:215–222, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.