Targeted peer victimization and the construction of positive and negative self-cognitions: connections to depressive symptoms in children

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2010;39(3):421-35. doi: 10.1080/15374411003691776.

Abstract

The goal was to examine the relation of covert/relational and overt/physical targeted peer victimization (TPV) to each other, to positive and negative self-cognitions, and to symptoms of depression. In a sample of elementary and middle school children, TPV was assessed by self-report, peer-nomination, and parent report in a multitrait-multimethod study. Positive and negative self-cognitions and depressive symptoms were assessed by self-report. Confirmatory factor analytic results support the convergent and discriminant validity of these two types of TPV. Both kinds of TPV were significantly related to positive and negative self-cognitions as well as self-reported depressive symptoms; however, structural equation modeling revealed that the effects of covert/relational TPV accounted for the effects of overt/physical TPV. In exploratory analyses, positive and negative self-cognitions explained the relation between TPV and depressive symptoms.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology*
  • Child
  • Cognition*
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Parents / psychology
  • Peer Group*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Self Concept*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards
  • Temperament