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Polyvictimization and trauma in a national longitudinal cohort

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 January 2007

DAVID FINKELHOR ,
RICHARD K. ORMROD  and
HEATHER A. TURNER
DAVID FINKELHOR
Affiliation:
University of New Hampshire
RICHARD K. ORMROD
Affiliation:
University of New Hampshire
HEATHER A. TURNER
Affiliation:
University of New Hampshire
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Abstract

This paper utilizes a national longitudinal probability sample of children to demonstrate how important exposure to multiple forms of victimization (polyvictimization) is in accounting for increases in children's symptomatic behavior. The study is based on two annual waves of the Developmental Victimization Survey that began with a nationally representative sample of children and youth ages 2 to 17. A broad range of victimization experiences were assessed using the 34-item Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Eighteen percent of the children experienced four or more different kinds of victimization (polyvictims) in the most recent year. Polyvictimization in the most recent year was highly predictive of trauma symptoms at the end of the year, controlling for prior victimization and prior mental health status. When polyvictimization was taken into account, it greatly reduced or eliminated the association between most other individual victimizations and symptomatology scores.For the purposes of compliance with Section 507 of PL 104-208 (the “Stevens Amendment”), readers are advised that 100% of the funds for this program are derived from federal sources (US Department of Justice). The total amount of federal funding involved is $353,233.

Type
Research Article
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , January 2007 , pp. 149 - 166
Copyright
© 2007 Cambridge University Press

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