Roles of Gender, Forms, and Locations in Understanding Peer Victimization Experiences: Implications for Prevention and Intervention

Abstract

The experience of peer victimization, or being the target of aggression, is common throughout childhood and adolescence and often results in negative developmental outcomes. Further knowledge of peer victimization is needed for effective prevention and intervention to promote positive youth development. The current study extends the victimization literature by (a) examining victimization rates at locations both within and outside of the school context, (b) identifying the forms of victimization most prevalent in these locations, and (c) determining whether the forms of victimization vary by gender across different locations. In a sample of 278 third through fifth graders, gender differences were examined across physical, relational, and cyber victimization. Findings indicate that physical and relational victimization are likely to occur in similar locations, with the playground and home noted as frequent locations. However, cyber victimization was reported as occurring at home and on the bus. Several notable gender differences emerged when examining these locations by the form of victimization. Findings suggest that encouraging adults both within and outside of the school environment to collaborate in their efforts to prevent and intervene with peer victimization may be particularly useful. Specific ways to improve adult training efforts are discussed.