Association of peer victimization, coping, and pathological internet use among adolescents

Objective: To investigate the association of pathological internet use, peer victimization, and coping styles among German adolescents who reported experiences of peer victimization. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted within the framework of a European school-based study (SEYLE) which included 1357 representative students (female/male: 710/647; mean age: 14.7; SD = 0.80) from Germany. Pathological internet use was assessed by the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire. Peer victimization was classified into verbal, physical, and relational. Coping style was divided into active, avoidance, help-seeking, and other. Psychological symptoms were assessed as covariate by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: 4.8% of the students showed pathological internet use, 14.4% presented with problematic internet use. 52.3% of the adolescents reported peer victimization (38.7% verbal victimization, 19.8% physical victimization, 34.1% relational victimization). There was a significant association of peer victimization with pathological internet use, which could partly be explained by psychological symptoms. Normal, problematic, und pathological internet users did not differ with regard to their coping styles in relation to victimization. Conclusions: There is an association between peer victimization, psychological symptoms, and pathological internet use. School- and family-based prevention programs and evaluated therapies are needed.