Mediating Role of External Shame and Self-compassion in the Relationship Between Peer Victimization and Depression in Adolescents

Objectives: The present study aims to examine the mediating role of external shame and self-compassion in the relationship between peer victimization and depression in adolescents. Methods: This is a descriptive-correlational study. Participants were 300 middle-school students of Shahin Shahr city in Isfahan, Iran (150 girls and 150 boys), who were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The data collection tools were Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale, the Other As Shamer Scale, Self-Compassionate Scale-Short Form, and Mood & Feeling Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 19 and AMOS v. 20 applications. Results: There were significant relationship among peer victimization, external shame, self-compassion, and depression (P<0.01). The measurement model had a good fitness (Root mean square error of approximation=0.037, normed fit index=0.997, comparative fit index=0.999). Path Analysis results reported that peer victimization had indirect effect on depression through mediation by external shame and self-compassion. Conclusion: External shame and self-compassion can mediate the relationship between peer victimization and depression in adolescents. Considering them in designing effective preventive and therapeutic interventions can be helpful for adolescents to cope with peer victimization and depression.