Experiences of victimization, maladaptive schemas, and the mediating role of resilience in adolescents

Abstract Background Numerous studies have established the relationship between peer victimization and maladaptive schemas. Some studies indicate that resilience mediates between victimization and psychological distress, although there is a gap in the literature on the role of resilience in the formation of maladaptive schemas. Aim This study aimed to analyze the role of resilience as a mediator between peer victimization, cybervictimization, and maladaptive schemas, especially disconnection/rejection and impaired autonomy. Methods An analytical and cross-sectional study was performed with 2854 students (50.7% girls) aged 11–17 years (Mage = 13.71, SD = 1.34) from 16 schools in six Spanish regions. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and structural equation models (SEM) were performed, and multigroup measurement invariance by sex was confirmed. Results The results show that resilience in all its dimensions acts as a partial mediator between traditional victimization and maladaptive schemas, particularly in the dimensions of self-efficacy and control under pressure. However, resilience only shows a partial mediation in cybervictimization through the dimension of Spirituality. Moreover, the model is invariant for boys and girls. Conclusion Resilience dimensions partially mediate the victimization–schema association, cybervictimization shows weaker mediation effects, and the model is invariant across sex.