초기 청소년기 학대 경험이 또래애착에 미치는 영향에서 내재화 및 외현화 문제와 자아존중감의 횡단적 경로모형

A Cross-Sectional Path Model of Early Adolescents’ Maltreatment Experiences on Peer Attachment: The Mediating Roles of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems and Self-Esteem

Background/Objectives: This study examined the mediating effects of internalizing and externalizing problems, and self-esteem on the relationship between abuse experiences and peer attachment in early adolescence using a cross-sectional path analysis model. Methods: A total of 1,066 first-year middle school students(560 males, 506 females) who were participating in the 14th data of the “Korean Children's Panel in 2021.” were selected for this study. The study used the Parent Abuse Scale, Internalization and Externalization Problem Scale, Self-esteem Scale and Peer Attachment Scale. The collected data were subjected to path analysis assuming a structural model using SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 28.0 statistical programs. Results: The results of the study showed that physical abuse during early adolescence had a significant negative association with externalizing problems. However, verbal and emotional abuse had significant positive associations with both internalizing and externalizing problems. Internalizing problems were negatively associated with self-esteem, and selfesteem, while self-esteem was positively associated with peer attachment. Additionally, internalizing problems and self-esteem significantly mediated the relationship between parental verbal and emotional abuse and peer attachment. Conclusion/Implications: The findings suggest that preventing parental verbal and emotional abuse during early adolescence is essential for fostering positive self-concept and psychosocial adjustment. Since mental health problems in adolescents can lead to personal and social losses, early interventions to prevent verbal and emotional abuse, which disrupts the internalization of problems and diminishing self-esteem are critically needed.