Peer victimization (and harsh parenting) as developmental correlates of cognitive reactivity, a diathesis for depression.

Abstract

Prior research has shown cognitive reactivity to be a diathesis for depression. Seeking evidence for the developmental origins of such diatheses, the current study examined peer victimization and harsh parenting as developmental correlates of cognitive reactivity in 571 children and adolescents (ages 8-13 years). Four major findings emerged. First, a new method for assessing cognitive reactivity in children and adolescents showed significant reliability and demonstrated construct validity vis-à-vis its relation to depression. Second, history of more severe peer victimization was significantly related to cognitive reactivity, with verbal victimization being more strongly tied to cognitive reactivity than other subtypes of peer victimization. Third, harsh parenting was also significantly related to cognitive reactivity. Fourth, both peer victimization and harsh parenting made unique statistical contributions to cognitive reactivity, after controlling for the effects of the other. Taken together, these findings provide preliminary support for a developmental model pertaining to origins of cognitive reactivity in children and adolescents.

Peer Victimization and Harsh Parenting Predict Cognitive Diatheses for Depression in Children and Adolescents

“…The first of these findings replicates the well-established longitudinal effects of harsh parenting and peer victimization on depression in young people (for reviews, see Hawker & Boulton, 2000; McLeod et al, 2007; Reijntjes et al, 2010 Yap, Pilkington, Ryan, & Jorm, 2014). Furthermore, our focus on the additive effects of parent and peer relations is commensurate with various cumulative interpersonal risk models (Cole et al, in press; Epkins & Heckler, 2011). The second of these findings extends previous research, providing preliminary support for the idea that the effect of peer victimization and harsh parenting on depression may be mediated by the adverse effect of these interpersonal risk factors on children’s development of a healthy cognitive style.…”

“…The adverse effects of peer victimization and harsh parenting on depression are well documented (for reviews, see Hawker & Boulton, 2000; McLeod et al, 2007; Reijntjes et al, 2010 Yap, Pilkington, Ryan, & Jorm, 2014). Researchers have even begun to develop models about the especially detrimental effects of cumulative interpersonal risk factors (Cole et al, in press; Epkins & Heckler, 2011). Less well understood, however, are the mechanisms underlying these effects.…”

Parenting stressors and young adolescents' depressive symptoms: Does high vagal suppression offer protection?

“…Yap et al’s (2014) meta-analysis indicated that there is a sound base of evidence supporting a link between parental “aversiveness” -- which includes criticism, punishment, and conflict -- and depression among adolescents. Parental harshness is thought to increase the risk of depressive symptoms through a variety of possible mechanisms, including development of a negative self-concept or self-criticism (Sachs-Ericsson, Verona, Joiner, & Preacher, 2006), cognitive reactivity (Cole et al, 2014), emotional dysregulation (Yap, Schwartz, Byrne, Simmons, & Allen, 2010), or difficulty developing positive social relationships (parental and non-parental).…”

Adolescent Social Networks and Physical, Verbal, and Indirect Aggression in China: The Moderating Role of Gender

“…For example, physical and verbal aggression have a stronger association with externalizing symptoms (e.g., delinquency), poor peer relationships, and low prosocial behavior, while indirect aggression is more related to internalizing problems and high prosocial behavior (Card et al, 2008). Verbal aggression, in particular, is rather toxic for cognitive reactivity, such as thinking ill thoughts about themselves (Cole et al, 2014).…”

“…As a specific oral expression of aggressive behavior, verbal aggression should be distinguished from physical aggression (Chang et al, 2005). In addition, verbal aggression is the most prevalent form of aggression (Wang et al, 2009;Jiang, 2017) and has specific impacts on cognitive reactivity (Cole et al, 2014); thus, researchers should commit more resources to discover the underlying process of verbal aggression (Poling et al, 2019). Few studies have focused on the relationship between verbal aggression and friendship dynamics, which means that friendship dynamics in verbal aggression is less well understood.…”