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Date of Award
2019
Document Type
Restricted Thesis: Campus only access
Abstract
The present study examined the moderating effect of social competence on the relationship between depressive symptoms and peer victimization among 231 elementary school children (M = 9.04 years). Self-report measures of depressive symptoms and perceived social competence were completed by children in the fall and teacher-report measures of peer victimization were obtained in the spring. A series of regression analyses provided support for a symptoms-driven model of depression in which depressive symptoms predicted subsequent peer victimization. Results further indicated that there was a significant interactive effect of depressive symptoms and perceived social competence on peer victimization, such that high levels of social competence ameliorated the association between depressive symptoms and future peer victimization. Results suggest that social competence may protect students who display depressive symptoms from experiencing peer victimization.
Recommended Citation
Ward, Madeline Meredith, "Does social competence buffer depression's effects on children's peer relationships?" (2019). Honors Theses. 1401.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1401