Dual Mediating Effects of Depression and Violence Desensitization on the Relationship Between School Violence Victimization and Stalking Victimization in Elementary School Students

This study examined whether the experience of school violence victimization influences stalking victimization through depression and violence desensitization among elementary school students. To this end, analysis was conducted using the Educational Broadcasting System (EBS)'s data on elementary school violence of 991 students.Key findings from the study are as follows: First, the correlation analysis showed that school violence victimization, depression, violence desensitization, and stalking victimization were all significantly correlated. Second, the multiple regression analysis indicated that school violence victimization has a significant positive (+) effect on stalking victimization. In contrast, the effects of depression and violence desensitization on stalking victimization were both nonsignificant. Third, the dual mediation of school violence victimization on stalking victimization through the sequential mediation of depression and violence desensitization was nonsignificant.The results confirm that while school violence victimization has a significant effect on stalking victimization directly, it does not have such a significant effect indirectly through depression and violence desensitization. Finally, this study provided some practical suggestions for effective prevention and intervention proper to each developmental stage for elementary school students.