Peer Victimization and Psychosocial Adjustment in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

This study investigated the frequency and psychosocial correlates of peer victimization in a sample of youths with diabetes. The Social Experience Questionnaire, Children’s Depression Inventory, Social Anxiety Scale for Children—Revised, and Asher Loneliness Scale were administered to 32 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and 32 control children without a medical diagnosis who were matched for age and gender. Results indicated that children with diabetes reported higher rates of relational victimization and lower levels of prosocial peer support than youths without diabetes. In addition, relational victimization was positively associated with depression, social anxiety, and loneliness for diabetic children. Implications of these findings for clinicians working with this population are discussed.

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