Abstract
We examined independent and interactive associations linking preadolescents’ socially anxious feelings and peer victimization
experiences with their social behaviors (rated by parents and teachers) and psychophysiological arousal during lab simulations
of salient peer stress situations in preadolescence (peer evaluation and peer rebuff). Sixty-three preadolescents and one
parent per preadolescent participated. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), skin conductance level (SCL), and heart rate (HR)
were assessed during peer stress situations. Preadolescents provided reports of social anxiety; preadolescents and parents
reported on peer victimization; and parents and teachers rated prosocial and aggressive behaviors. Peer victimization moderated
associations between social anxiety and both physiological arousal and social-behavior problems. As hypothesized, social anxiety
was more strongly associated with lower RSA, higher HR, and higher aggressive behavior among preadolescents who experienced
higher levels of peer victimization, compared to preadolescents who experienced lower levels of peer victimization.
experiences with their social behaviors (rated by parents and teachers) and psychophysiological arousal during lab simulations
of salient peer stress situations in preadolescence (peer evaluation and peer rebuff). Sixty-three preadolescents and one
parent per preadolescent participated. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), skin conductance level (SCL), and heart rate (HR)
were assessed during peer stress situations. Preadolescents provided reports of social anxiety; preadolescents and parents
reported on peer victimization; and parents and teachers rated prosocial and aggressive behaviors. Peer victimization moderated
associations between social anxiety and both physiological arousal and social-behavior problems. As hypothesized, social anxiety
was more strongly associated with lower RSA, higher HR, and higher aggressive behavior among preadolescents who experienced
higher levels of peer victimization, compared to preadolescents who experienced lower levels of peer victimization.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10802-011-9600-9
- Authors
- Stephen A. Erath, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Kelly M. Tu, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Mona El-Sheikh, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Journal Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2835
- Print ISSN 0091-0627