Peer Victimization and Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Childhood: The Protective Roles of Physical Activity and Sleep

Abstract

A growing body of literature indicates that the link between peer victimization and aggressive behavior may vary according to specific aggression subtypes; however, research has yet to identify factors that moderate these associations. The purposes of the present study were to further examine the links between peer victimization and reactive and proactive aggression and evaluate whether physical activity and sleep moderated these relations. Participants included 294 predominantly Caucasian children (50.7% male) between 7 and 11 years of age (M = 8.71, SD = 1.17), and their homeroom teacher. Peer victimization was assessed using self- and teacher-reports, and teachers provided ratings of children's aggressive behavior. Children also completed self-report measures assessing physical activity and sleep duration. Consistent with previous research, peer victimization was uniquely associated with reactive, but not proactive, aggression. Findings failed to provide support for the hypothesis that physical activity and sleep would serve as protective factors against the reactive aggression associated with experiences of victimization. Directions for future research are discussed.