Victimization and Somatic Problems: The Role of Class Victimization Levels.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The link between peer victimization and somatic problems is well-established. What is currently understudied is under what contextual conditions victims' health might be most likely to be compromised. Studies demonstrate that victims suffer from poorer adjustment when they belong to a group in which victimization is less normative (social misfit hypothesis). We examined whether the association between individual victimization and somatic problems was stronger in classrooms with lower class victimization. METHODS A sample of 1906 adolescents (65% girls; Mage  = 14.4, SD = 1.2) completed a survey about school life quality, peer victimization, and health problems. RESULTS Multilevel modeling with Bayes estimator indicated modest variation in somatic problems between classrooms. At the individual level, peer victimization was associated with higher reports of somatic problems. This association varied across classroom as a function of class victimization level. Simple slope computation confirmed that the association between peer victimization and somatic complaints became stronger as class victimization levels decreased. CONCLUSIONS Victims in classrooms with lower levels of victimization are more likely to report somatic problems. Anti-bullying programs should consider the effects of class norms on victims' adjustment and address the possible risks for those who continue to be victimized.