The Moderating Effect of the Quality of Best Friendship on the Association Between Peer Victimization and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Depression is one of the main consequences of peer victimization in adolescence. Research suggests that friendship quality may act as a buffer against these consequences, but not much is known about the exact influence of friendship quality. The present study examines the moderating effect of three friendship quality domains (support, negative interactions and power) on the association between victimization and depression in adolescence. The sample includes 400 Dutch adolescents with an age ranging from 11.01 to 15.56 years, M = 13.03, SD = 0.47. Results of the present study show a moderating effect of power on the association between victimization and depression. Contrary to expectations depression levels of victimized adolescents increase when there is more equality in dominance (i.e. low power). Results do not show moderating effects of support and negative interactions on the association between victimization and depression. The findings highlight the important role of friendship quality in understanding the association between victimization and adjustment. This knowledge can be used to improve interventions and help victimized adolescents with their problems.