Peer victimization, aggression, and depression symptoms in preschoolers

Early Childhood Research Quarterly

Volume 47, 2nd Quarter 2019, Pages 62-73

This study tested the developmentally-based interpersonal model of depression in a sample of 198 preschool-age children. Socio-behavioural deficits (i.e., non-normative use of physical and relational aggression) were expected to interact with relationship disturbances (i.e., physical and relational peer victimization) in relation to depression symptoms in preschool-age children.

Key findings:

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Relational victimization was associated with depression symptoms at high relational aggression.

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Physical aggression related to depression symptoms irrespective of physical peer victimization.

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Findings were present when data were teacher reported but did not replicate across reporters.

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The developmentally-based interpersonal model of depression was supported in preschoolers.