Polyvictimization in Developmental Context.

Authors

David Finkelhor, University of New Hampshire - Main CampusFollow
Anne M. Shattuck, University of New HampshireFollow
Heather A. Turner, University of New Hampshire - Main CampusFollow
Richard Ormrod, University of New Hampshire - Main CampusFollow
Sherry L. Hamby, The University of the South - SewaneeFollow

Abstract

Abstract

Polyvictimization (i.e., exposure to multiple forms of victimization) appears highly correlated with indicators of traumatic stress in children. In this study, a national sample of children and youth were assessed for 36 different kinds of victimization using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Polyvictims were defined as the 10% of children experiencing the most different kinds of victimization in each of 4 developmental cohorts. The younger polyvictims had somewhat fewer victimizations overall, less sexual victimization, and more victimization at the hands of family members, particularly siblings. However, polyvictimization at every developmental level was strongly associated with distress symptoms. This study suggests the importance of assessing for and identifying polyvictims at all ages, including among preschoolers.

Department

Sociology

Publication Date

10-2011

Journal Title

Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma

Publisher

Springer

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/19361521.2011.610432

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

Finkelhor, D., Shattuck, A., Turner, H.A., Ormrod, R., Hamby, S.L. Polyvictimization in Developmental Context. (2011) Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 4 (4), pp. 291-300.

Rights

© 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.