The Role of Peer Rejection in Adolescent Internalizing Problems

Abstract

Emotional distress, such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal, is on the rise among teenagers today. These symptoms are generally grouped into internalizing problems. Based on research, a risk factor that contributes to internalizing problems is peer rejection. This study aims to determine the effect of peer rejection on adolescent internalizing problems. Research design is quantitative research with a multistage random sampling technique as a data collection technique. The subjects of this study were 252 adolescents aged 16-18 years who are currently studying in SMA in Bondowoso Regency, consisting of 103 boys (M = 40.068; SD = 13.283) and 149 girls (M = 40.893; SD =13.283). The instruments used were Social Peer Rejection Measure (21 items, α = .90) and Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ), just for internalizing problems (10 items, α = .72). The results of the analysis test using simple linear regression showed that there was a positive influence of peer rejection on internalizing problems in high school adolescents in Bondowoso Regency, adjusted R 2 = .278; F(4, 427) = 251, p = .000). This influence shows that the more often adolescents experience rejection from their peers, the higher the chances of experiencing internalizing problems.

Social Withdrawal: A Systematic Review of the Influencing Mechanism, Forming Reason and Discussing the Affected Groups

“…Besides this, Syakarofath et al have a similar conclusion on this perspective, that the research result and data analysis illustrate that negative peer issues have an influence on the teenager's internalizing [11]. Internalizing problems is a pervasive issue during adolescence, it needs to be handled well instead of developing further psychological problems.…”

“…Lack of exercise and social interaction would definitely harm individuals' physical health. Analogous to Syakarofath et al's research, it advocates that social withdrawal has been closely linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, immune system problems, and early death [11]. Stemming from social withdrawal can lead to increased psychological stress, which in turn affects the function of the cardiovascular system and the proper functioning of the immune system.…”

“…Engaging in social activities with others holds significant importance, and the absence of such interactions is likely to lead individuals to experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression, and these emotional changes will exacerbate withdrawal. For instance, Syakarofath et al demonstrate the way that internalizing problems are common among teenagers, such as depression, anxiety, withdrawal, etc [11]. Experimental research has consistently demonstrated a significant association between social withdrawal and internalizing problems, which causes depression, anxiety, and stress.…”

Profiles of Mental Health Problems Among Adolescents

“…Peer problems that were most commonly identified among adolescents were difficulties or challenges in peer DOI 10.18502/kss.v9i5.15166 interactions and relationships. Peer problems can manifest in a variety of ways, including peer rejection, exclusion, and bullying by other kids [20,21,22,23,24,25]. A study from a Finnish middle school reported that 20% of 4447 students had experienced bullying by their peers [23].…”

Peran Adverse Childhood Experience terhadap Internalizing Problem dan Externalizing Problem pada Remaja

“…Selanjutnya terdapat perbedaan efek pengalaman adverse childhood experience terhadap internalizing problem jika dianalisis berdasarkan gender. Pada perempuan kemunculan internalizing problem dianggap lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan laki-laki sebagai strategi coping yang dianggap paling sesuai (Almuneef et al, 2017;Smith et al, 2016;Shopiani et al, 2021;Syakarofath et al, 2021).…”