There is a peak in peer victimization during middle childhood, with multiple negative consequences. Parental use of corporal punishment and child aggression are the most widely studied predictors of this phenomenon. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether parental use of corporal punishment affects peer victimization through child aggression.
This mediation model was explored for both mothers and fathers and for both physical and relational forms of aggression and peer victimization. Furthermore, we also analyzed whether the mediation models were moderated by the sex of the child. Child aggression and victimization were measured by peers using the Mini Direct Indirect Aggression Inventory. Results indicated that aggression mediated the relation of parental corporal punishment to peer victimization.
Some interesting moderating effects of sex in this mediation model were found; specifically, physical, and relational aggression mediated the relation of maternal corporal punishment to peer victimization only in boys. Peer victimization refers to a situation in which someone is the target of frequent aggressive behaviors by peers Crick et al.
Victimization experiences have been found to reach a peak in middle childhood Sumter et al. The negative effects of peer victimization on psychological well-being and adjustment have been widely documented Hawker and Boulton, ; Cook et al. Being victimized by peers is especially hurtful during adolescence Salmivalli, , and longitudinal research has shown that peer victimization tends to remain stable from middle childhood onward, a period during which peer relations become increasingly important Sourander et al.
Thus, if we want to prevent the serious consequences of this phenomenon, it is important to study the factors that may place children at risk for peer victimization in middle childhood. Corporal punishment, considered a parental disciplinary strategy, is still frequently used today, and research suggests that a high percentage of children are physically punished by their parents during childhood Gershoff, ; Wilson et al.
