Abstract
This study was conducted to assess whether friendship quality and gender moderate the association between peer victimization and internalizing distress. Third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade children (N = 670; 315 girls, 355 boys) completed selfreport measures of friendship quality, relational and overt physical victimization, anxiety, and depression. Results indicated that several aspects of positive friendship quality, including help and security, serve as effective buffers against both relational and overt victimization. These results were found for girls only and for both anxiety and depression. Results highlight the importance of positive friendship features as protective factors in the link between victimization and internalizing distress.
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Michelle E. and Bagwell, Catherine L.
(2007)
"The Protective Role of Friendships in Overtly and
Relationally Victimized Boys and Girls,"
Merrill-Palmer Quarterly: Vol. 53:
Iss.
3, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/mpq/vol53/iss3/7