Peer Victimization and Emotional Problems in Vietnamese Children: A Longitudinal Study

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that peer victimization in middle childhood predicts emotional problems in adolescents. The sample consisted of 1,000 students administrated at age 8 (wave 1) who were followed for seven years (wave 2). The peer victimization measures included one item derived from Goodman’s Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) (wave 1) and nine other items developed by Young Lives’ researchers (wave 2). The emotional problems measure used in both waves is SDQ’s Emotional Symptoms Subscale. Primary caregivers reported these measures at wave 1 and the children themselves reported at wave 2. Results revealed that current emotional problems significantly mediate the link between peer victimization and later emotional problems.