The role of the family in chronic victimization by peers

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship of family contextual risk factors to the occurrence of victimization of children by peers, as mediated by parental warmth and communication. Family risk factors were derived from parent reports of socio-economic status and family configuration. Parental warmth and communication was derived from observations of parent-child interactions. Victimization was estimated by observed rates at which children were victims of peer verbal and physical aggression at school. The contribution of family risk factors to victimization by peers was examined in an aggregated and disaggregated manner, and as moderated by gender. Neither family risk factors nor parental warmth and communication placed children at a greater risk of victimization. Family contextual risk was negatively associated with parent warmth and communication.