Association Between Bullying Victimization Experience and Self-Esteem of Multicultural Youth in South Korea: The Moderating Role of Social Support Profiles

Abstract

This study examined the association between bullying victimization and self-esteem among multicultural youth in South Korea and explored whether distinct social support profiles moderated this relationship. Using data from 2,271 youth in the fifth wave of the Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study (MAPS-2), latent profile analysis identified four patterns of perceived support from parents, peers, and teachers: (1) Balanced but Moderate Support; (2) Peer-Low; (3) Adult-Low/Peer-Average; and (4) Universally Supported. Bullying victimization was significantly associated with lower self-esteem. However, the strength of this association varied across profiles. Youth in the Universally Supported profile reported the highest baseline self-esteem yet experienced the steepest declines when bullied. In contrast, youth in the Balanced but Moderate Support, Peer-Low, and Adult-Low/Peer-Average profiles, despite reporting lower overall self-esteem, showed attenuated associations between bullying and self-esteem. Findings underscore the culturally situated role of relational support profiles and highlight implications for practitioners, educators, and policymakers.

Keywords

bullying victimization latent profile analysis Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study (MAPS-2)self-esteem social support profiles

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