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Abstract
This study examines the relationships between peer victimization, peer relations and depression among adolescents, with a focus on the moderating roles of peer rejection, peer acceptance and reciprocal friendships on the association between peer victimization and depression. A sample of 605 adolescents (average age 13.5 years) completed measures of overt and relational peer victimization; peer nominations to assess peer rejection, peer acceptance, and reciprocal friendships; and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. The results show overt victimization and relational victimization significantly predict depression. None of the peer relations status variables are the moderators of the relationship between peer victimization and depression. The three-way interaction results show only one significant effect of three-way interaction: reciprocal friendships moderated the relationship between relational peer victimization and depression only for adolescent boys, but not for adolescent girls. The study explains the findings based on the theories and literature related to peer victimization, peer relations and depression in early adolescents.