Abstract
Peer victimization is a salient stressor for children, and the ways children respond to peer victimization is thought to influence
whether the victimization increases or decreases over time. In a sample of middle school students (n = 311, 89% Caucasian, 57% female, mean age = 10.8 years, SD = .70), the current study examined social and cognitive factors
that predicted children’s coping responses over time. Findings indicated that appraised control moderates the associations
between social and cognitive factors and coping responses. For example, appraised control reduced the likelihood of avoidant
responses, especially when children had attitudes supporting the use of aggression. Findings suggest that increasing children’s
sense of control when responding to bullies will not have uniformly positive effects however. Thus, interventions must also
take care to promote more positive responses while empowering children.
whether the victimization increases or decreases over time. In a sample of middle school students (n = 311, 89% Caucasian, 57% female, mean age = 10.8 years, SD = .70), the current study examined social and cognitive factors
that predicted children’s coping responses over time. Findings indicated that appraised control moderates the associations
between social and cognitive factors and coping responses. For example, appraised control reduced the likelihood of avoidant
responses, especially when children had attitudes supporting the use of aggression. Findings suggest that increasing children’s
sense of control when responding to bullies will not have uniformly positive effects however. Thus, interventions must also
take care to promote more positive responses while empowering children.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s10566-011-9144-8
- Authors
- Andrew M. Terranova, Department of Psychology, Stephen F. Austin State University, SFA Station, Box 13046, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA
- Joseph Harris, Department of Psychology, Stephen F. Austin State University, SFA Station, Box 13046, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA
- Melissa Kavetski, Department of Psychology, Stephen F. Austin State University, SFA Station, Box 13046, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA
- Rachel Oates, Department of Psychology, Stephen F. Austin State University, SFA Station, Box 13046, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA
- Journal Child and Youth Care Forum
- Online ISSN 1573-3319
- Print ISSN 1053-1890