Understanding What Characteristics of Peer Victimization and Bullying Predict Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Children

Experiences of peer victimization and bullying have been linked to the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), in part due to the heightened frequency and chronicity with which youth are exposed to aggression at the hands of peers. Less is known, however, about how other characteristics of these experiences, including polyvictimization, power imbalance, gender differences, and victim perceptions, may contribute to PTSS. The purpose of the current study was to examine the links between these characteristics of peer victimization/bullying and the development of PTSS during middle childhood. Participants included a sample of 284 third- through fifth-grade students (ages 8–12; 50.7% boys; 51.5% Hispanic/Latinx) who reported at least one experience of peer victimization over the course of the school year. Children also provided ratings of their PTSS. A series of linear regression models was estimated to examine the impact of individual characteristics of peer victimization and bullying on PTSS. Notably, each characteristic was found to significantly predict PTSS, with the exception of victims’ perceptions of the intentionality of the aggressive behavior. Significant predictors were then examined in a multiple regression model; results revealed that polyvictimization and one component of power imbalance—popularity of the aggressor(s)—were the most robust predictors of PTSS when examined alongside all other characteristics. These findings build on previous research and highlight the need to assess for specific factors that may lead to development of PTSS among victims of peer aggression.