How does the mother–child relationship impact bullying victimization of adolescents? A mediation and multigroup analysis

ABSTRACT Background School bullying victimization is a pervasive issue adversely affecting adolescent well‐being. Family factors, particularly the mother–child relationship, are recognized as influential correlates, yet the underlying mechanisms linking the mother–child relationship to bullying victimization remain unclear. Objective This study investigated the direct relationship between poor mother–child relationship and bullying victimization among Chinese adolescents and tested the mediating roles of psychological maltreatment (emotional abuse and neglect) and depression, as well as the moderating role of gender. Methods A cross‐sectional survey of 2001 adolescents (12–18 years) from one Chinese province was conducted. Participants completed validated scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multigroup SEM were employed for data analyses. Results Poor mother–child relationship was directly linked to more bullying victimization. Psychological maltreatment and depression mediated this relationship both independently and sequentially. Gender differences were significant: The positive effect of poor mother–child relationship on emotional neglect was stronger for female adolescents, whereas the impact of emotional abuse on bullying victimization was significantly stronger for male adolescents. Conclusion The findings demonstrate the mechanisms linking poor mother–child relationship to bullying victimization, involving psychological maltreatment and depression as mediators, with notable gender differences. Implications Interventions should improve mother–child relationships, address parental psychological maltreatment, and support adolescent mental health, with strategies tailored for gender differences.