Long-term Consequences of Victimization by Peers: A Follow-up from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Long-term effects of victimization were investigated in 177 girls and boys that were followed from adolescence (ages 14-15) to young adulthood (ages 22-23). Victimization in adolescence was associated with increases in depression and decreases in self-esteem as well as negative views of others in young adulthood, but only when adolescents lacked a supportive family environment. Results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms responsible for the critical role that family support plays in altering maladjustment consequences of victimization by peers.