Predicting the development of victimization from early childhood internalizing and externalizing behavior

The aim of this 8-year longitudinal study was to predict children’s (n = 96) level of self-reported victimization at age 9 and their development of victimization from age 9 to 13 from parent-reported and teacher-reported internalizing and externalizing behaviors at age 5. We also examined whether ego-resiliency was a protective factor in these associations. Findings revealed that early childhood externalizing behavior was positively related to chronic experiences of peer victimization from age 9 to 13, especially among children with low levels of ego-resiliency. Internalizing behavior in early childhood was not related to peer victimization throughout middle childhood and adolescence. Suggestions for further research and practical implications for early prevention of peer victimization were discussed.