Description
Poly-victimization, internalizing and interpersonal problems are detrimental and highly prevalent problems during adolescence. While all three constructs are associated with one another, few studies have examined the temporal sequencing of these associated factors at multiple, simultaneous time points across adolescent development. A clearer understanding of how poly-victimization, internalizing, and interpersonal problems are associated during adolescence is needed to determine the development and maintenance of these problems during adolescence. Therefore, this study aims to delineate the directionality of effects among victimization, interpersonal, and internalizing problems, in a diverse, prospective sample of at-risk adolescents across three time points (i.e., ages 12, 14, and 16). Findings from this study aim to contribute to literature on the development of social and emotional problems during adolescence in four ways, by determining: (1) the unique associations amongst these constructs, (2) the bidirectional associations among poly-victimization, internalizing, and interpersonal problems, (3) the mediated effects amongst poly-victimization, internalizing, and interpersonal problems, and (4) the associations moderated by gender. Data were analyzed using auto-regressive cross-lagged path models to develop a comprehensive, longitudinal model of the associated variables. Gender differences were examined by testing the invariance of model parameters across males and females. Results indicated that all three constructs were concurrently related. Bidirectional associations were found between interpersonal and internalizing problems across each interview period and between poly-victimization and internalizing problems between ages 12 and 14, while a directional effect was found for interpersonal problems (age 14) predicting subsequent poly-victimization (ages 14-16). None of the hypothesized mediation paths were statistically significant. Several associations and pathways were invariant between boys and girls. Implications of the findings include support for a transactional model of interpersonal and internalizing problems and identification of potential risk factors for victimization during adolescence. Keywords: poly-victimization, internalizing problems, interpersonal problems, adolescence, development
