Peer Rejection And Mental Health Outcomes In Adolescents: The Indirect Effects Of Repeated Rejection In A Three-Month Follow-Up

This longitudinal study examines the long-term impacts of peer rejection on mental health among adolescents, with a specific focus on the indirect effects of repeated rejection. Data were collected from 478 students at two time points during the 2023–2024 academic year in Hanoi, Vietnam. Peer rejection was measured using a composite scale based on established tools, and mental health outcomes were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the relationships between variables. The results indicate that peer rejection at Time 1 (T1) significantly predicts both internalising problems (β = .207, p .001) and externalising problems (β = .135, p = .035) at Time 2 (T2). Additionally, peer rejection at T1 significantly predicts repeated rejection at T2 (β = .627, p .001). Furthermore, repeated rejection at T2 also significantly predicts internalising (β = .374, p .001) and externalising problems (β = .281, p .001) at T2. Indirect effect analysis shows that repeated rejection at T2 partially explains the relationship between early peer rejection and subsequent mental health problems, specifically internalising (β = .235, p .001) and externalising problems (β = .176, p .001). These findings highlight the detrimental effects of repeated peer rejection on adolescent mental health, underscoring the need for early interventions and targeted support in school environments. Addressing repeated peer rejection could help mitigate its long-term impact on both emotional and behavioural outcomes.