This study was designed to determine whether the personal and interpersonal
difficulties that characterize Victimized children are antecedents of vict
imization, consequences of victimization, or both. Boys and girls in the 3r
d through 7th grades (N = 173, mean age = 11.3 years) were assessed on vict
imization, personal Variables (internalizing problems, externalizing proble
ms, and physical strength), and interpersonal variables (number of friends
and peer rejection). One year later children were assessed again on all var
iables. Internalizing problems, physical weakness, and peer rejection contr
ibuted uniquely to gains in victimization over time. Moreover, initial vict
imization predicted increases in later internalizing symptoms and peer reje
ction. These reciprocal influences suggest the existence of a vicious cycle
that supports the strong temporal stability of peer victimization.