| With the advent of increased school violence in the past decade, the importance of addressing adolescent relational victimization has gained increased attention (Underwood, 2003). The current study examined the gender differences with regard to relational victimization, and its relationship with social-psychological adjustment among adolescents. It was hypothesized that there would be a: (a) positive relationship between relational victimization and depression, (b) positive relationship between relational victimization and social anxiety, and (c) a negative relationship between relational victimization and physical appearance self-concept. In each hypothesis, the association between peer relational victimization and depression, social anxiety and physical appearance respectively would be stronger for girls than for boys, and gender would moderate each relationship. Implications for anti-bullying programs in the school system who work with relationally victimized adolescents and recommendations for future research was discussed. |
