Assistant Professor University of Florida Gainesville, Florida, United States
Abstract Text: Experiences of peer victimization and bullying have been linked to the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), due in part to the heightened frequency and chronicity with which youth are exposed to aggression at the hands of peers. However, less is known about how other characteristics of bullying, including polyvictimization, power imbalance, gender differences, and victim perceptions, may contribute to PTSS. The purpose of the current study was to examine the links between these characteristics of peer victimization/bullying and the development of PTSS during middle childhood. Participants included a sample of 284 third- through fifth-grade students (ages 8-12; 50.7% boys; 51.5% Hispanic) who reported at least one experience of peer victimization over the course of the school year. Children answered follow-up questions about their experience(s) of peer victimization as well as their PTSS. A series of separate linear regression models were estimated. Notably, each characteristic was found to significantly predict PTSS, with the exception of victims’ perceptions of the intentionality of the aggressive behavior. Significant predictors were then examined in a multiple regression model; results revealed that polyvictimization and one component of power imbalance—popularity of the aggressor(s)—were the most robust predictors when examined alongside all other characteristics. These findings build on previous research and highlight the need to assess for specific factors that may lead to development of PTSS among victims of peer aggression.
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