The Association Between Gender, Age, and Acculturation, and Depression and Overt and Relational Victimization Among Mexican American Elementary Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between overt and relational peer victimization and depression in a sample of predominantly Mexican American students in Grades 3 through 5 in a Southwestern U.S. school district. Acculturation level was assessed and included as an independent variable along with gender and grade (a proxy for age). Fifty six percent of eligible students participated. Chi-square analyses found no differences in rates of overt or relational victimization or on depression scores by age, gender, or level of acculturation. Victims (all types combined) had more depressive symptoms than did nonvictims. Relational victimization was the only significant predictor of depressive symptoms in a regression analysis. Acculturation, gender, and grade did not predict depression in this sample.