Social Withdrawal, Peer Rejection, and Peer Victimization in Taiwanese Middle School Students

This study aims to examine the relationships between social withdrawal, peer rejection and peer victimization among Taiwanese middle school students as well as to explore the applicability of relevant models in an East Asia culture context. The sample of this study consists of 219 7th grade students from middle schools in Taiwan. Data from multiple informants including teacher and peer reports was utilized and potential path models were constructed and tested for fitness. Results showed that withdrawal, rejection, and victimization were significantly associated. Path analysis further suggested peer rejection as a mediator between social withdrawal and peer victimization. Implication of the findings for educators and social workers were discussed.