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Internalising Symptoms: An Antecedent or Precedent in Adolescent Peer Victimisation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 December 2012

Leanne Lester ,
Julian Dooley ,
Donna Cross  and
Thérèse Shaw
Leanne Lester*
Affiliation:
Child Health Promotion Research Centre, Edith Cowan University, Australia
Julian Dooley
Affiliation:
Sellenger Centre for Research in Law, Justice and Social Change, Edith Cowan University, Australia
Donna Cross
Affiliation:
Child Health Promotion Research Centre, Edith Cowan University, Australia
Thérèse Shaw
Affiliation:
Child Health Promotion Research Centre, Edith Cowan University, Australia
*
address for correspondence: Leanne Lester, Child Health Promotion Research Centre, Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford Street, Mt Lawley, WA 6050, Australia. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

The transition period from primary to secondary school is a critical time in adolescent development. The high prevalence of adolescent mental health problems makes understanding the causal pathways between peer victimisation and internalising symptoms an important priority during this time. This article utilises data collected from self-completion questionnaires four times over 3 years from 3,459 students’ aged 11–14 to examine directional relationships among adolescents as they transition from primary to secondary school, and investigates gender differences in these associations. The findings suggest depression in males is both a precedent and antecedent for victimisation over the transition period, whereas for females depression is an antecedent only. Anxiety is a both a precedent and antecedent for victimisation for males and females. To maintain emotional wellbeing and prevent peer victimisation, interventions prior to and during this transition period are critical, especially among adolescents experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Keywords

school bullyingvictimisationdepressionanxietyinternalising symptoms
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 22 , Special Issue 2: The promotion of mental health and wellbeing in children and adolescents , December 2012 , pp. 173 - 189
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

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