Skin Color, Life Satisfaction, and Peer Victimization in Chilean Adolescents
Our methodological approach combined hierarchical multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with interaction models to evaluate the relative contribution of peer victimization, school climate, and self-perceived skin color to adolescents' self-reported life satisfaction. The study also controlled for various socio-demographic variables, including family structure and parental involvement. Results reveal that peer victimization has a substantial negative impact on life satisfaction, particularly among students who identify with lighter skin tones. Interestingly, while skin color alone was not a direct predictor of life satisfaction, its interaction with peer victimization significantly exacerbated the negative effects, with lighter-skinned students experiencing sharper declines in well-being when victimized. In contrast, positive school environments and strong parental engagement, especially maternal, were found to buffer the negative effects of victimization and contribute positively to overall life satisfaction.
These findings underscore the nuanced role of racialized experiences in educational settings, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive policies that foster inclusivity and equality in schools. By addressing both individual and structural factors, this research provides crucial insights for designing interventions that promote adolescent well-being in diverse socio-cultural contexts.