Relational and physical forms of peer victimization in preschool

Recent studies of peer victimization have demonstrated the importance of st udying relational as well as physical farms of peer maltreatment for unders tanding children's social-psychological adjustment problems. Studies in thi s area have been limited thus far by a fetus on school-age children (9-12-y ear-olds). Given the significance of early identification of children's soc ial difficulties for intervention and prevention efforts, this research was designed to assess relational and physical peer victimization among presch ool-age children (3-5-year-olds). Results indicated that boys were signific antly more physically victimized than girls whereas girls were more relatio nally victimized. Both relational and physical victims experienced greater adjustment problems than did their peers. Relational victimization contribu ted unique information about adjustment beyond that provided by physical vi ctimization.