The potential indirect effect of self-continuity in the association between peer victimization and adolescent negative self-portrayal

Negative self-portrayal (NSP) is a precursor for social anxiety, a growing global concern that disproportionately affects adolescents. In addition, peer victimization is associated with NSP during this period of identity development. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying the link between peer victimization and NSP remain unclear. Recognizing that victimization disrupts adolescents’ self-concept by inducing feelings of self-blame and shame, this study investigated the potential indirect effect of self-continuity as a component of self-concept in the association between earlier peer victimization and later NSP in a sample of 310 Brazilian adolescents (53% girls) from five public schools in Curitiba enrolled in 6th through 10th grades ( M age = 14.11). Controlling for earlier NSP, concurrent victimization, age, ethnicity, and sex, the results of structural equation modeling revealed that earlier peer victimization was associated with later NSP. However, this association was no longer significant after controlling for concurrent victimization, suggesting a more nuanced pattern in which ongoing peer experiences may play a particularly important role in adolescents’ self-evaluations. Within the fully adjusted model, which included Time 1 NSP and Time 2 victimization, self-continuity was associated with Time 2 NSP. The results revealed an indirect association linking earlier victimization to later NSP through self-continuity. However, self-continuity and NSP were assessed concurrently at Time 2, which limits causal interpretation. Overall, the findings are in line with temporal self-appraisal theory, suggesting that individuals use self-continuity to maintain and enhance their self-perceptions, particularly when facing threats to the self. The discussion section highlights the importance of including adolescents from the Majority World in research to develop a more inclusive, globally representative model of adolescent development.