The effects of peer victimization on adolescents' externalizing problem behaviors: The chain-mediated role of self-esteem and self-control, and the moderating effects of perceived peer support
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Background Adolescence is a critical period for the development of externalizing problem behaviors, and understanding the related risk and protective factors is key to mitigating their negative effects. This study, based on an explanatory model of adolescent problem behavior, investigates the impact of peer victimization on adolescent externalizing problem behaviors and the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 1,116 Chinese secondary vocational students. Participants completed validated questionnaires: peer victimization (Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale), externalizing behaviors (CBCL–YSR), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), self-control (Self-Control Scale), and perceived peer support (Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale—Friends). Mediation (PROCESS Model 6) and moderated mediation (PROCESS Model 92) analyses used bias-corrected bootstrap 95% confidence intervals. Results Peer victimization negatively predicted self-esteem, self-control, and peer support, and positively predicted adolescent externalizing problem behaviors. Peer victimization not only directly influences externalizing problem behaviors but also exerts indirect effects through the independent mediation of self-esteem and self-control, as well as through their chain mediation effect. Furthermore, peer support moderates the chain mediation model by influencing both the relationship between peer victimization and self-esteem and the impact of self-esteem on self-control. Conclusion These findings collectively indicate that peer victimization increases externalizing behaviors by sequentially reducing self-esteem and self-control. In contrast, peer support critically mitigates this risk pathway by buffering the erosion of self-esteem and strengthening its protective effect on self-control.
