Individual Differences in Reactions to Peer Victimization: The Moderating Role of Temperament and Sex

Sugimura, Niwako

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/14650 Copy

Description

Title

Individual Differences in Reactions to Peer Victimization: The Moderating Role of Temperament and Sex

Author(s)

Sugimura, Niwako

Issue Date

2010-01-06T16:20:27Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Rudolph, Karen D.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Rudolph, Karen D.

Department of Study

Psychology

Discipline

Psychology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• temperament
• peer victimization
• Individual Differences

Abstract

This study examined whether temperamental traits and sex moderate the effects of peer victimization on children’s adjustment over a year to identify factors that put victimized children at heightened risk for adjustment difficulties. Children (N = 282; M age = 7.94 years, SD = 0.32) and teachers reported on exposure to peer victimization. Parents provided ratings of children’s temperament (i.e., inhibitory control and negative emotionality) and depressive symptoms, and teachers provided ratings of children’s aggression. Results revealed that overt victimization predicted aggression in girls with low levels of inhibitory control. Results also revealed that total victimization predicted depressive symptoms in girls with high levels of negative emotionality and in boys with low levels of negative emotionality. This research identifies temperament and sex as contributors to individual differences in children’s reactions to peer victimization. The findings are discussed in the context of temperament x environment and diathesis-stress frameworks.

Graduation Semester

2009-12

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/14650

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2009 Niwako Sugimura

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