Influences of child temperament and maternal childrearing behavior on victimization in the peer group

Possible contributions of child temperamental styles and maternal parenting behaviors to the prediction of victimization in the peer group were examined. 106 middle-class boys and girls in the 4th through 7th grades and their mothers participated in the study. Children reported on the parenting behavior of their mothers, male and female same grade classmates nominated subjects on victimization and other social behaviors, and mothers of the children reported on their child's temperament. Results indicated no moderator or mediator roles, for child temperament or maternal parenting, in the prediction of victimization. However, for boys, maternal overprotective parenting was associated with peer victimization. Maternal overprotectiveness also predicted boys' internalizing problems among peers. For girls, maternal hostility was associated with peer victimization and internalizing problems. For both sexes, hostile parenting predicted externalizing problems in the peer group. An impulsive temperamental style also predicted externalizing problems for both sexes. A unifying theory explaining gender differences in the relation between maternal behaviors and peer victimization was given. Suggestions for future research were also advanced.