Longitudinal associations among youth depressive symptoms, peer victimization, and low peer acceptance: an interpersonal process perspective.
A longitudinal investigation was conducted to explicate the network of associations between depressive symptoms and peer difficulties among 486 fourth through sixth graders (M = 9.93 years). Parent and teacher reports of depressive symptoms; peer, self, and teacher reports of victimization; and peer reports of peer acceptance were obtained. A systematic examination of nested structural equation models provided support for a symptoms-driven model whereby depressive symptoms contributed to peer difficulties; no evidence was found for interpersonal risk or transactional models. Analyses further revealed that victimization mediated the association between prior depressive symptoms and subsequent peer acceptance. Results extend knowledge about the temporal ordering of depressive symptoms and peer difficulties and elucidate one process through which depressive symptoms disrupt peer relationships.
Arizona State University, USA. karen.kochel@asu.edu
Karen P
KP
Kochel
Gary W
GW
Ladd
Karen D
KD
Rudolph
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012307:Risk Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012933:Social Identification; D012963:Sociometric Techniques