Received: March 31, 2011; Revised: April 6, 2011 Accepted: June 7, 2011.
ABSTRACT
This study investigated prevalence rates and differences in social behaviors, psychosocial adjustments, and language ability of preschool children who engaged in bully/victim subgroups: aggressive victims, passive victims, bullies, and non-involved. The participants were 297 preschool children and their teachers in Jeju City. The teachers measured children's peer victimization, social behaviors, and teacher-child relationships. Children's language ability and self-concept were also assessed by individual interview. There were significant differences in social behaviors, psychosocial adjustments, and language ability among the bully/victim subgroups. Aggressive victims included in a high risk group characterized by a high level of aggression, ADHD, peer rejection as well as conflicted relationships with teachers. Moreover, they had limited language ability. The findings highlight behavioral heterogeneity among the bully/victim subgroups in early childhood.