Does self-esteem buffer against the effects of peer victimization on internalizing problems and academic maladjustment?

Rationale. When exposed to early peer victimization, some children become anxious, depressed, or develop learning difficulties, whereas others seem to be more resilient. Understanding individual differences in response to early peer victimization, is critical for developing both theoretical insights and effective intervention programs. Objectives. This study utilized data from a research-based anti-bullying program named KiVa developed in the University of Turku, Finland, to examine if peer victimization is associated with internalizing problems and academic maladjustment ,and whether individual differences in self-esteem moderate the effects of peer victimization on depression, anxiety and learning difficulties. Method. Interned –based questionnaires were completed by 4923 students (Mage=11.01, SD=1.09) from 85 volunteering schools throughout Finland, to measure peer victimization, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, anxiety and learning difficulties. Data collected from two time points at an interval of 1 year was utilized. Results. Peer victimization was positively associated with internalizing problems, and with academic adjustment problems, both concurrently and longitudinally. Furthermore, results show that high levels of peer victimization are associated with lower levels of concurrent depression, anxiety and learning difficulties, for children with higher self-esteem, indicating an moderating effect of self-esteem on concurrent variables. However, there was no significant difference found in the associations between peer victimization and future internalizing problems and learning difficulties, for children with higher levels of self-esteem. Conclusion. Results, limitations of these findings and further research are discussed