Psychosocial mediators and moderators of the effect of peer-victimization upon depressive symptomatology.
BACKGROUND
Intervention strategies and developmental models of stress have been criticized for failing to integrate social psychological variables. This study investigates both self-referential cognitive mediators (perceived threat and control) and a social psychological moderator (ethnic/religious identity) of the effect of peer-victimization upon depressive symptomatology.


METHODS
Self-report questionnaires were completed by 924 students (46% female), aged 8 to 12 years. Experiences of discriminatory and non-discriminatory peer-victimization, threat and control appraisals, depressive symptoms, and strength of main identity were assessed.


RESULTS
Perceived threat partially mediated the effect of peer-victimization (regardless of whether it was discriminatory or not) on depressive symptoms. Perceived control partially mediated the effect of non-discriminatory peer-victimization on depressive symptoms. Strength of ethnic/religious identity buffered the effect of peer-victimization on depressive symptoms. Victimization perceived to be discriminatory in nature was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms than non-discriminatory victimization.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings support calls for a greater emphasis to be placed on social psychological variables in explaining depressive symptomatology. For clinical, counseling and intervention purposes, it is important to examine whether victims perceive peer-victimization as discriminatory and whether their own strength of identity affects symptomatology.
Hunter
Simon C
SC
Department of Psychology, University of Strathclyde, UK. simon.hunter@strath.ac.uk
Durkin
Kevin
K
Heim
Derek
D
Howe
Christine
C
Bergin
Dermot
D
D002648:Child; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012919:Social Behavior; D012933:Social Identification; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires