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Exploring the Links Between
Relational Victimization and Adaptive Functioning in Emerging Adulthood
Researcher: Michelle MacNeily
Background: Previous research indicates prosocial behaviour as a buffer against relational victimization among children and youth, although little is known about adaptive functioning among emerging adults experiencing relational victimization. The purpose of this study was to expand the current literature by examining relational victimization during emerging adulthood, and to examine links between prosocial behaviour, flourishing, and relational victimization.
Method: Participants were 329 emerging adults between ages 18 and 25 (M = 20.40, SD = 1.81; 84.8% female, 15.2% male). Participants completed an online survey.
Results: Results indicated prosocial behaviour was significantly positively associated with flourishing in females and males. Results also showed that relational victimization was significantly negatively correlated with flourishing in males, but unrelated in females. Unexpectedly, relational victimization was significantly positively correlated with prosocial behaviour in females, but unrelated in males.
Conclusions: The findings suggest prosocial behaviour may contribute to emerging adult well-being, but victimized males may be less resilient than females.
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