The influence of different longitudinal patterns of peer victimization on psychosocial adjustment

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Peer victimization
• latent profile analysis
• mental health
• youth
• longitudinal
• psychosocial adjustment

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded in part through the evaluation of a Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant given to the school district