Parents' beliefs about peer victimization and children's socio-emotional development

There is increasing evidence that interpersonal risks and resources can modulate the impact peer victimization has on children's socio-emotional adjustment. The current study contributes to this research by examining links between parents' victimization-related beliefs and children's psychosocial functioning. Data were collected on 190 3rd- and 4th-grade children (92 boys) and their parents. After controlling for earlier levels of socio-emotional adjustment, parents' normative beliefs predicted greater overt victimization and aggression among boys and, for boys and girls, amplified links between peer victimization and subsequent psychosocial maladjustment. Avoidance beliefs predicted positive behavioral development among low victimized youth, but compromised adjustment among highly victimized youth. Sex-specific findings emerged, and results were stronger for overt than relational victimization. These findings underscore the need for parent education components within anti-bullying interventions.

► Parents' beliefs regarding peer victimization were studied.
► Beliefs moderated links between peer victimization and children's adjustment.
► Children whose parents viewed victimization as normative showed more maladjustment.
► Avoidance beliefs predicted poor adjustment among peer victimized children.
► Findings highlight need for parental education in anti-bullying programs.