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Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale
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About Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale
Scale Name
Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale
Author Details
Helen Mynard and Stephen Joseph
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale (MPVS), developed by Mynard and Joseph (2000), is a 16-item self-report measure designed to assess peer victimization among youth aged 11–16 years. Published in Aggressive Behavior, the MPVS captures four distinct dimensions of victimization: Physical Victimization (e.g., being hit or kicked), Verbal Victimization (e.g., being called names or teased), Social Manipulation (e.g., being excluded or ostracized), and Property Attacks (e.g., having possessions stolen or damaged). Building on prior bullying research, it addresses the need for a multidimensional approach to victimization, distinguishing between overt (physical, verbal) and relational (social manipulation) forms, and adding property attacks as a unique dimension.
Participants rate the frequency of victimization experiences over the past school year on a 3-point scale (0 = “Not at all,” 1 = “Once,” 2 = “More than once”). Scores for each subscale (4 items each) range from 0–8, with higher scores indicating greater victimization. The scale was validated with 812 UK secondary school students (aged 11–16, 50% female), showing that 63% reported at least one victimization experience “more than once.” Boys reported higher physical victimization, while girls reported more social manipulation. The MPVS correlates with psychosocial outcomes like depression (r ≈ 0.30–0.50) and lower self-esteem (r ≈ -0.25–0.40). It is widely used in educational and clinical psychology to assess victimization prevalence, identify at-risk youth, and evaluate anti-bullying interventions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Aggressive Behavior (Mynard & Joseph, 2000) or authorized sources, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (aged 11–16) that the questionnaire assesses peer experiences at school, emphasizing anonymity and honest responses.
- Administer the 16-item scale in a classroom or controlled setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to rate victimization frequency over the past school year.
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a distraction-free environment; adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The MPVS demonstrates acceptable to strong psychometric properties (Mynard & Joseph, 2000). Internal consistency is robust: Cronbach’s alpha for Physical Victimization = 0.85, Verbal Victimization = 0.75, Social Manipulation = 0.77, and Property Attacks = 0.73, based on a sample of 812 students. Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (r ≈ 0.65–0.80 over 4–6 weeks) from similar self-report victimization measures (e.g., Bond et al., 2007).
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Birleson Depression Inventory (r ≈ 0.30–0.50) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (r ≈ -0.25–0.40). Predictive validity is evidenced by associations with anxiety, loneliness, and peer rejection (r ≈ 0.20–0.45). Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like academic achievement (r < 0.20).
Principal components analysis confirmed the four-factor structure, distinguishing the subscales. Pairing with measures like the Gatehouse Bullying Scale (Bond et al., 2007) or the Children’s Social Behavior Scale (Crick & Grotpeter, 1995) enhances comprehensive bullying assessment.
Available Versions
16-Items
Reference
Mynard, H., & Joseph, S. (2000). Development of the multidimensional peer‐victimization scale. Aggressive Behavior: Official Journal of the International Society for Research on Aggression, 26(2), 169-178.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale measure?
It measures physical, verbal, social manipulation, and property attack victimization in youth.
Who is the target population?
Youth aged 11–16 years in school settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies specific victimization types to guide targeted anti-bullying programs.
Is it reliable for cross-cultural use?
Reliable in English; translations (e.g., Spanish, Chinese) require cultural validation.
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