Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale (MPVS-16)

Description

The Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale (MPVS-16) is a psychometric instrument developed to assess experiences of peer victimization among children and adolescents.

The scale approaches peer victimization as a multidimensional phenomenon and examines different forms of negative behavior from peers, including physical victimization, verbal victimization, social exclusion, and cyberbullying, as described in the source document.

Purpose

The main purpose of the MPVS is to record and analyze experiences of peer victimization.

The instrument aims to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of victimization on the mental and physical health of children, while also supporting the development of prevention and intervention programs.

Dimensions of Victimization

According to the provided material, the MPVS includes statements covering different forms of victimization.

Physical victimization: refers to experiences in which a child or adolescent is the target of direct physically aggressive behavior.

Verbal victimization: concerns negative verbal behaviors directed toward the individual.

Social exclusion: refers to experiences of isolation or exclusion from peer groups and social activities.

Cyberbullying: is also identified in the source document as one of the forms of victimization addressed by the scale.

Scoring

According to the source file, the MPVS uses a 4-point Likert scale.

The provided document does not specify the exact verbal anchors of the four response categories or detailed instructions for calculating total or subscale scores. Therefore, accurate administration and scoring should follow the official version of the instrument.

Statistical Analysis

The source material does not describe specific statistical analysis procedures beyond the use of the scale to record and assess experiences of victimization.

Scores may be used to describe the frequency or extent of peer-victimization experiences and, depending on the study design, to examine their associations with other psychological, social, or health-related variables.

Applications

The MPVS may be used in educational, psychological, and research settings involving children and adolescents.

Assessment of different forms of victimization may help identify groups at increased risk, improve understanding of the consequences of peer victimization, and support the development of interventions aimed at preventing and addressing harmful peer behaviors.

The source material specifically emphasizes the value of the scale for supporting prevention and intervention programs.

References

Mynard H, Joseph S. Development of the Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale. Aggressive Behavior. 2000;26(2):169–178.

Rivers I, Smith PK. Types of bullying behavior and their correlates. Aggressive Behavior. 1994;20(5):359–368.

Crick NR, Grotpeter JK. Relational aggression, gender, and social-psychological adjustment. Child Development. 1996;67(3):710–722.