Self-Esteem as a Moderator of the Relation between Externalizing Behavior and Bullying Victimization

Abstract

Abstract Previous research has indicated that externalizing behavior is related to bullying victimization. Moreover, self-esteem is shown to be related to both externalizing behavior and bullying victimization. However, it is unknown whether self-esteem constitutes a protective factor in the relationship between externalizing behavior and bullying victimization. Therefore, the current study examines the relation between externalizing behavior and bullying victimization and whether self-esteem moderates this relationship. School-aged children (N=9314) were asked to fill in questionnaires about their personal experience of bullying victimization as well as levels of self-esteem. In addition, they had to nominate classmates based on their aggression levels. Results showed that there is a positive relationship between externalizing behavior and bullying victimization. However, self-esteem did not moderate this relation. Future research should investigate other components of externalizing behavior and their relation to bullying victimization and include further potentially influential factors to extend these findings.