Peer Experiences Questionnaire [PEQ-31]

Brief Description

The Peer Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ-31) is a self-report instrument designed to assess experiences of aggression and victimization among peers in children and adolescents. It consists of 31 statements and examines three primary forms of peer behavior: physical, verbal, and relational aggression. These behaviors are assessed from both the perspective of the individual displaying aggression and the individual experiencing victimization. The questionnaire is intended to identify patterns of bullying and to contribute to a better understanding of social interactions and peer relationships during childhood and adolescence.

Purpose

The main purpose of the PEQ-31 is to assess how frequently children and adolescents experience or engage in aggressive and bullying-related behaviors. The instrument may assist in identifying both victims and perpetrators of bullying, supporting the development of more targeted interventions in educational and research contexts. It can also contribute to efforts aimed at increasing awareness of peer aggression and promoting a safer and more supportive school environment.

Scoring Method

Participants respond to the 31 statements using a five-point Likert scale ranging from 0 = Never to 4 = Always. The items assess physical, verbal, and relational forms of aggression and victimization. Scores for the relevant subscales may be calculated by summing or averaging the corresponding item responses, providing separate indicators for the different dimensions assessed by the questionnaire.

Validity

The PEQ-31 has been empirically examined as a measure of peer aggression and victimization. According to the source material, its structure has been supported through factor-analytic evidence, while the subscales show conceptual distinctiveness and coherence. Associations with other indicators of psychosocial difficulties further support its use in research and intervention contexts.

Reliability

The questionnaire demonstrates high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.80 for most subscales. The source also reports positive findings for test-retest reliability across short time intervals, supporting the potential use of the instrument in repeated assessments and behavioral monitoring.

Data Analysis and Use

PEQ-31 data may be analyzed using the sum or mean scores obtained for each subscale. Statistical analysis can include comparisons according to characteristics such as gender, age, or educational setting. Correlation and regression analyses may also be used to investigate relationships between PEQ-31 scores and other psychological variables, including anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. The resulting data can be utilized both for individual-level interventions and for broader research on peer relationships, aggression, victimization, and bullying.

References

Holt, M. K., & Espelage, D. L. (2007). Peer victimization and suicide risk in children and adolescents. School Psychology Review, 36(3), 347–364.

Prinstein, M. J., Boergers, J., & Vernberg, E. M. (2001). Overt and relational aggression in adolescents: Social-psychological adjustment of aggressors and victims. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 30(4), 479–491.

Storch, E. A., & Masia-Warner, C. (2004). The Peer Experiences Questionnaire: Development and validation of a self-report measure of peer victimization and aggression. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 33(6), 515–530.