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Original Communication

Family Variables Associated with Peer Victimization: Does Family Violence Enhance the Probability of Being Victimized by Peers?

Published Online:September 01, 2006https://doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185.65.2.107

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the effects of family experiences (family violence, family conflict, parental affection and support) on peer victimization and to explore whether linkages between family variables and peer victimization are mediated by the development of internalizing problems and inappropriate reactions to peer aggression. Self-report data were collected from 446 boys and 287 girls attending the 5th to 10th grade (mean age = 13.3 years). Results show that non-victimized aggressors, aggressive and non-aggressive victims report more negative family experiences and more internalizing problem behavior than matched controls. Results of structural equation modeling show that the effects of the family variables differ from each other and only family violence seems to increase the probability of being victimized by peers.

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