Predictive validity and early predictors of peer-victimization trajectories in preschool.
BACKGROUND
From the time of school entry, chronic levels of victimization by one's peers predict a multitude of psychiatric and physical health problems. However, developmental trajectories of peer victimization, from the time children first begin to socially interact, are not currently known nor are early familial or child predictors.


OBJECTIVE
To describe preschool trajectories of peer victimization, assess continuity of preschool victimization after school entry, and examine early child- and family-level predictors of preschool trajectories of victimization.


METHODS
A longitudinal, large-scale, multiple-informant, population-based study.


METHODS
Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development.


METHODS
One thousand nine hundred seventy children (51% boys).


METHODS
Developmental trajectories were described using mothers' reports of peer victimization at 4 times from 3(1/3) to 6(1/6) years of age. In first grade (mean age, 7.2 years), teacher and child reports of peer victimization were collected. Family-level predictors, mostly at age 17 months, included measurements of family adversity (insufficient income [when the infant was aged 5 months], single-parent family, low education, or teenaged mother) and harsh, reactive parenting. Child-level predictors at age 17 months were the mother's ratings of physical aggression, hyperactivity, and emotional problems.


RESULTS
Three preschool trajectories of peer victimization were identified (low/increasing, moderate/increasing, and high/chronic). In first grade, children following high/chronic and moderate/increasing preschool trajectories were highest in teacher- and child-rated peer victimization. High levels of harsh, reactive parenting predicted high/chronic peer victimization over and above other child- and family-level variables. Insufficient parent income and child physical aggression predicted the high/chronic and moderate/increasing peer-victimization trajectories.


CONCLUSIONS
Early childhood preventive interventions should target parenting skills and child behaviors, particularly within families with insufficient income. Together, these risks confer a heightened likelihood for continued peer victimization as rated by mothers, teachers, and the children themselves.
Department of Psychology, Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Edward D
ED
Barker
Michel
M
Boivin
Mara
M
Brendgen
Nathalie
N
Fontaine
Louise
L
Arseneault
Frank
F
Vitaro
Catherine
C
Bissonnette
Richard E
RE
Tremblay
D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010379:Peer Group; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D011792:Quebec; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors