Abstract
Victimization by peers has been associated with low academic performance and internalizing problems. Still, not all students who experience peer victimization report a reduction in performance. The current study examines the potential protective nature of self-esteem and social self-efficacy in the relationship between peer victimization and academic performance. A sample of 231 middle school students participated. Schools reported academic performance and students completed self-report questionnaires. The ability of social self-efficacy and self-esteem in aiding academic and emotional resilience was explored as possible mediating and moderating variables using hierarchical regressions. Results supported the conclusion that the interaction of self-efficacy and self-esteem may moderate the relationship between peer victimization and academic performance. Those with above average social self-efficacy reported lower peer victimization and depression as well as higher academic performance. Implications for intervention are discussed.
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Raskauskas, J., Rubiano, S., Offen, I. et al. Do social self-efficacy and self-esteem moderate the relationship between peer victimization and academic performance?. Soc Psychol Educ 18, 297–314 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-015-9292-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-015-9292-z