TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Peer victimization and child physical health: the moderating role of pessimism
JO  - Journal of pediatric psychology
A1  - Van Dyk, Tori R.
A1  - Nelson, Timothy D.
SP  - 469
EP  - 480
VL  - 39
IS  - 4
N2  - OBJECTIVE: Involvement in peer victimization has been associated with numerous negative consequences, including poor physical health. The purpose of this study is to improve on previous research evaluating the victimization-health relationship by examining the health (i.e., health-related quality of life [HRQoL], medical service utilization) of both victims and aggressors and examining individual variation in this relationship through the moderating effect of pessimism. METHOD: The sample included 125 ethnically diverse youth aged 8-11 years recruited from a low-income medical practice. Child-report of involvement in peer victimization and pessimism was assessed along with parent-report of HRQoL. 2-year medical service utilization was extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Although not all hypotheses were supported, victims and aggressors were found to be at increased risk for certain poor health outcomes, which were exacerbated by high levels of pessimism. CONCLUSION: Findings expand on research into peer victimization and health and provide important implications for identification, prevention, and intervention strategies with at-risk youth.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0146-8693
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jst147
ID  - ref1
ER  -