The combined impact of sibling-victimization and peer-victimization on Dutch adolescents’ depression.

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the association between sibling-victimization and peer-victimization in Dutch adolescents and whether Dutch adolescents who were both victimized by siblings and peers experienced more depressive symptoms in comparison with adolescents who were exclusively sibling- or peer-victimized or not victimized. Gender differences were also taken into account. A total of 684 adolescents, who were in their first year of secondary education, completed an online self-report questionnaire to assess the degree to which they experience sibling-victimization, peer-victimization and depressive symptoms. Sibling-victimization and peer-victimization were measured using the PRIMA-bully questionnaire and depressive symptoms were measured using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale. Findings revealed that sibling-victimization was significantly and positively associated with peer-victimization. Furthermore, Dutch adolescents who were victimized by their sibling and/or peer reported significantly more depressive symptoms compared to those not victimized. However, no distinctions were found in depressive symptoms between those who were exclusively sibling-victimized or peer-victimized and those who were both sibling-victimized and peer-victimized. Lastly, no interaction with sex was found. All in all, the present study provides new information about the contexts in which bullying-victimization occurs and its effect on depression in Dutch adolescents.