Authors: Franca H Leeuwis Hans M Koot Daan H M Creemers Pol A C van Lier
Publish Date: 2014/11/19
Volume: 43, Issue: 5, Pages: 909-919
Abstract
Discrepancies between implicit and explicit selfesteem have been linked with internalizing problems among mainly adolescents and adults Longitudinal research on this association in children is lacking This study examined the longitudinal link between selfesteem discrepancies and the development of internalizing problems in children It furthermore examined the possible mediating role of selfesteem discrepancies in the longitudinal link between experiences of peer victimization and internalizing problems development Children N = 330 M age = 112 year 525 female were followed over grades five age 11 years and six age 12 years Selfreport measures were used annually to test for victimization and internalizing problems Implicit selfesteem was assessed using an implicit association test while explicit selfesteem was assessed via selfreports Selfesteem discrepancies represented the difference between implicit and explicit selfesteem Results showed that victimization was associated with increases in damaged selfesteem higher levels of implicit than explicit selfesteem Additionally damaged selfesteem at age 11 years predicted an increase in internalizing problems in children over ages 11 to 12 years Furthermore damaged selfesteem mediated the relationship between age 11 years victimization and the development of internalizing problems No impact of fragile selfesteem lower levels of implicit than explicit selfesteem on internalizing problems was found The results thus underscore that as found in adolescent and adult samples damaged selfesteem is a predictor of increases in childhood internalizing problems Moreover damaged selfesteem might explain why children who are victimized develop internalizing problems Implications are discussed
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