Personal and interpersonal antecedents and consequences of victimization by peers

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.