LONGITUDINAL RELATIONS BETWEEN PEER VICTIMIZATION AND DELINQUENCY: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF SADNESS, FEAR, AND ANGER

摘要

Peer victimization is a common occurrence among youth, and it has been linked to a number of negative outcomes, including delinquent behaviors (e.g., physical aggression, theft/property damage, and substance use). Several studies examined relations between peer victimization and delinquency, though few have done so longitudinally or examined whether negative emotions are underlying processes that explain associations between these constructs. The current study’s purpose is to examine whether several negative emotions (i.e., anger, fear, and sadness) mediate relations between several types of peer victimization and delinquency among middle and high school youths. The study’s sample of 318 youths was predominately African American, and was part of a larger study examining the effects of community violence exposure and substance use. Path models showed no significant direct effects between several types of peer victimization and delinquency. Additionally, only anger dysregulation mediated relations between peer victimization and delinquency. These findings, as well as their real-world implications and potential avenues for future research within this area, are discussed.