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ABSTRACT
Identifying patterns of victimization continuity and discontinuity over time can inform school-based efforts to prevent and intervene with peer victimization. We conducted a four-wave longitudinal study of students through their transition from middle to high school. Participants were 135 diverse students from Grade 8 to Grade 11 who completed self-report surveys each year on peer victimization, life satisfaction, mental health, and substance use. Latent profile analysis identified four patterns of victimization: continuously high victimization (19%), inconsistent victimization (14%), revictimization (14%), and continuously low victimization (53%). In grade 11, the continuously high victimization group (19%) was more likely to report alcohol use, elevated psychological distress, diminished life satisfaction, and seriously contemplate suicide than any other group. Follow-up analysis reveals sexual harassment appears to be common as youth transition into their high school years. Results have implications for school screening and intervention efforts.