In:
PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 18, No. 3 ( 2023-3-29), p. e0282224-
Abstract:
Peer victimisation is common and predicts increased internalizing symptoms. Low self-esteem, which is associated with both greater peer victimisation and higher internalizing problems, may help explain why victimised adolescents experience greater internalizing symptoms. Objectives of the present research were to establish the relationships between peer victimisation, internalizing problems, and self-esteem, and to test whether self-esteem mediates the effect of victimisation on internalizing symptoms. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search in Psychinfo, ERIC, Web of science, and Pubmed, following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: age 10–18 years; empirical studies that measured a) internalizing symptoms, b) self-esteem, and c) peer victimisation or bullying; design was either longitudinal or cross-sectional with a comparison group. Quality assessment were conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. We conducted random effects models and a meta-mediation analysis, with self-esteem acting as a mediator between peer victimization and internalizing symptoms. Results Sixteen papers with a total of N = 35,032 (53% female) participants met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated an association between peer victimisation and both high internalizing problems ( r = .31, CI 95 = .26 to.36) and low self-esteem ( r = -.25, CI 95 = -.29; to -.22), and between low self-esteem and high internalizing problems (( r = -.38, CI 95 = -.42 to -.33), as well as an indirect effect of peer victimization on internalizing symptoms via self-esteem (ß = .10, CI lower = .07, CI upper = .13). Conclusions Peer victimization, high internalizing symptoms and low self-esteem are all mutually related. Peer victimization partially mediates internalizing symptoms via self-esteem. Anti-bullying programmes may consider incorporating self-esteem building exercises in bully-victims. Limitations include high heterogeneity of results.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1932-6203
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.g004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.g005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0282224.s008
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267670-3
Permalink