The effects of peer victimization on externalizing problem behaviors among Chinese secondary vocational school adolescents: the chain-mediated role of self-esteem and self-control, and the moderating effects of perceived peer support

Abstract Background Adolescence is a critical period for the development of externalizing problem behaviors, and understanding the related risk and protective factors is key to mitigating their negative effects. In particular, secondary vocational school students may be at relatively greater risk because they often face stigma and adjustment difficulties. This study, based on an explanatory model of adolescent problem behavior, investigates the association of peer victimization with adolescent externalizing problem behaviors and the mechanisms underlying this relationship among secondary vocational school students. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 1,116 Chinese secondary vocational students. Participants completed validated questionnaires: peer victimization (Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale), externalizing behaviors (CBCL–YSR), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), self-control (Self-Control Scale), and perceived peer support (Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale—Friends). Mediation (PROCESS Model 6) and moderated mediation (PROCESS Model 92) analyses used bias-corrected bootstrap 95% confidence intervals. Results After controlling for covariates such as gender and hometown, peer victimization was significantly negatively associated with self-esteem, self-control, and was significantly positively associated with adolescent externalizing problem behaviors. Peer victimization was not only directly associated with externalizing problem behaviors, β = 0.277, p < 0.001, but also showed indirect effects through the independent mediation of self-esteem and self-control, as well as through their chain mediation effect, with a total indirect effect of 0.080, 95% CI [0.056, 0.111], and a chain indirect effect of 0.028, 95% CI [0.018, 0.040]. Furthermore, perceived peer support moderated the pathway from peer victimization to self-esteem, β = -0.063, p = 0.027, and the pathway from self-esteem to self-control, β = 0.088, p < 0.001, but did not significantly moderate the pathway from self-control to externalizing problem behaviors. Thus, the moderated chain mediation model was only partially supported. Conclusion Among secondary vocational school students, peer victimization may be associated with higher levels of externalizing problem behaviors partly through lower self-esteem and self-control, whereas perceived peer support may serve as a partial protective factor.