Citation

Shelley D, Craig WM. Can. J. Sch. Psychol. 2010; 25(1): 84-100.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0829573509357067

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To examine the role of attributions and coping on children's victimization over time, 220 children completed questionnaires twice over a 6-month period. Direct and mediational models were tested using regressions, cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Characterological self-blame was positively related to victimization within and across time for boys and girls. Depressive attributions were positively related to victimization only for girls. No coping styles were associated with reduced victimization over time for boys, whereas social support coping was for girls. Avoidant, revenge, and social support coping were positively related to victimization for boys. Avoidant coping directly predicted victimization for girls. No coping styles were significant mediators over time, which suggests situational mechanisms are relevant. Support emerged for strategies for girls to reduce victimization; more research is needed to help boys.