Peer Victimization and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediation Role of Loneliness

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the mediator role of loneliness in the relationship between peer victimization and depressive symptoms. The participants of the study were 144 adolescents (66 girls, 78 boys) ranging in age from 11 to 15 years. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the relations of peer victimization to depressive symptoms through the mediating role of loneliness. The results of the analysis indicated that loneliness fully mediates the relationship between victimization and depressive symptoms. Results are discussed in light of the related literature