Human Ecology Research

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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Effect of Peer Victimization on Social Anxiety in Middle School Students and The Mediating Role of Self-Concept

또래 괴롭힘 피해가 중학생의 사회불안에 미치는 영향에 대한 자아개념의 매개효과

  • Kim, Ji Hye (Department of Child and Family Studies, Yonsei University) ;
  • Park, Ju Hee (Department of Child and Family Studies, Yonsei University)
  • 김지혜 (연세대학교 아동.가족학과) ;
  • 박주희 (연세대학교 아동.가족학과)
  • Received : 2017.03.17
  • Accepted : 2017.11.30
  • Published : 2017.12.30
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Abstract

This study examined the mediating effect of self-concept on the relationship of peer victimization and social anxiety in middle school students. Study participants consisted of 235 (122 boys and 113 girls) first to third graders from three middle schools located in Seoul and Gyung-gi province. The School Violence Experience Scale and the Self-Concept Scale were used to measure research variables in the Korean version of Social Anxiety Scale for adolescents. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the general tendency of study variables. In addition, structural equation modeling(SEM) was used to examine the mediating model. The study results were as follows. First, the level of peer victimization of the middle school students decreased the self-concept level; in addition, the self-concept level had a significant negative effect on the social anxiety level. Second, the self-concept level fully mediated the peer victimization and social anxiety relationship. In conclusion, a higher peer victimization level resulted in a lower self-concept level, that produced a higher social anxiety level in middle school students. The results suggested that implementing effective interventions to prevent peer victimization and encouraging a positive self-concept in middle school students would make a significant contribution to reducing social anxiety.

Keywords

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