The behavioral attributes of victimized children

Based on a peer nomination device measuring victimization and aggression (VAI), 172 children from grades four through seven were classified into four subgroups: aggressive victims, nonaggressive victims, aggressive nonvictims, and nonaggressive nonvictims. Another peer nomination inventory measuring 13 behavioral attributes (BAI) was used to assess behaviors correlated with the subject classifications. Distinctive behavioral profiles for the four subgroups were found. Of particular importance were findings supporting the hypothesis that two distinct types of victims exist: aggressive or "provocative" victims and nonaggressive or "passive" victims. Both types of victims lack prosocial skills and reinforce aggressive attacks by crying, but the two types of victims differ in how they elicit aggression. The provocative victim evidences disruptive behavior, blames others, has difficulty managing conflict, and is perceived as dishonest. The passive victim is withdrawn but expresses anxiety and depression, signalling vulnerability. Implications for conceptualization of peer problem behavior and for intervention are discussed.