Peer victimization, internalizing problems, and satisfaction with friends: A two-wave analysis of individual and class-level associations in adolescence

Abstract

Peer victimization has long been recognized as a significant issue among adolescents, with potentially harmful consequences for their psychological and social well-being. However, studies adopting a longitudinal, multilevel approach to explore the complexity of peer victimization dynamics are still lacking. This study aimed to test short-term longitudinal associations between peer victimization, internalizing problems, and satisfaction with friends over the course of 6 months. The sample included 1299 adolescents at T1 (48.3% female adolescents, M_age = 13.6 years) attending 67 school classes. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires administered at two time-points during the same school year. Multivariate multilevel analysis indicated that, at the individual level, T2 victimization was positively predicted by T1 internalizing problems (proportional reduction in variance [PRV] = 0.7%) and negatively by satisfaction with friends (PRV = 1.6%), whereas internalizing problems at T2 were predicted by peer victimization at T1 (PRV = 0.7%). Satisfaction with friends was negatively predicted by peer victimization (PRV = 3.6%). At the class level, T2 victimization was more likely in classrooms with lower levels of satisfaction with friends in the fall (PRV = 15%). Moreover, class-level ethnic diversity contributed to explain between-class variability in satisfaction with friends (PRV = 9.1%). These findings highlight the need for interventions that promote positive peer relationships and provide support for victimized adolescents to reduce internalizing problems. Additionally, they underscore the importance of fostering friendship quality as a protective factor against victimization.