Coping strategy use and resilience among children reporting victimization

Abstract

Prior studies have established the negative implications of peer victimization; additional literature has focused on how children cope with the negative effects of peer bullying. However, no current research has examined the specific coping strategies, which may result in resiliency to the negative effects of peer victimization. The present study examined victimization, coping strategies, and resilience in a sample of 143 third through sixth grade students. The results indicated that the coping strategy of seeking social support was associated with resiliency among victims of aggression. In contrast, coping using externalizing behavior was associated with significantly lower levels of resiliency. The findings emphasize the importance of peers for victims' positive adjustment. In addition, addressing externalizing behaviors in victimized children should be a treatment priority.

Date of Award	2006
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Daneen Deptula (Supervisor)