Cyber-victimization and popularity in early adolescence: Stability and predictive associations

Abstract

The present study examined: (1) the one-year stability of cyber-victimization; (2) the temporal sequence of cyber-victimization and traditional victimization; and (3) popularity and perceived popularity as possible antecedents and consequences of cyber-victimization and traditional victimization. The sample comprised 665 early adolescents (356 boys, 309 girls) aged 11.63 (SD = 0.84) at Time 1. Data were collected using self- and peer reports. To test for the temporal sequence a cross-lagged panel design was used. Traditional victimization, popularity and perceived popularity were moderately stable for both boys and girls. Cyber-victimization was neither stable during a one-year period, nor could it be predicted by traditional victimization, popularity or perceived popularity. Instead, cyber-victimization fostered popularity in girls. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• Cross-lagged panel design
• Cyber-victimization
• Early adolescence
• Perceived popularity
• Popularity
• Victimization