Evaluating the Frequency, Co-occurrence, and Psychosocial Correlates of Childhood Multiple Victimization
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
3 November 2014
Abstract
The current study was designed to contribute to our growing understanding of childhood multiple victimization (i.e., exposure to more than one type of victimization), which has been found to be the reality among most victimized children. Caregivers of school-aged children (N = 213) completed an online and anonymous questionnaire that assessed the victimization experiences (lifetime) and psychosocial functioning of their child, as well as collecting information on a number of socio-demographic factors. Results provide support for the ubiquitous nature of childhood multiple victimization (86.9%), as well as the common cooccurrence of lifetime victimization experiences (Mexposure= 6.58). Findings highlight the important association between victimization exposure and psychosocial functioning (e.g., anxiety, depression, aggression, posttraumatic stress). The practical and theoretical implications for the prevention of childhood victimization are also discussed.
Résumé
Cette étude porte sur la victimisation multiple (c.-à-d., exposition à plus d'un type de victimisation), qui est une expérience courante chez les enfants avec un historique de victimisation. Les parents d'enfants d’âge scolaire (N = 213) ont rempli dans l'anonymat un questionnaire sur internet, évaluant les expériences de victimisation et le fonctionnement psychologique de leurs enfants. Les résultats démontrent la présence courante de la victimisation multiple (86,9%) ainsi que la cooccurrence entre les différentes expériences de victimisation (Mexposition = 6,58). Les résultats démontrent aussi l'association importante entre la victimisation et le fonctionnement psychologique (ex.: anxiété, dépression, agression, stress posttraumatique). Les conséquences théoriques et pratiques pour la prévention de la victimisation en enfance sont discutées.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 33 • Number 2 • December 2014
Pages: 47 - 65
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Version of record online: 3 November 2014
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BabchishinLyzon K. and RomanoElisa. 2014. Evaluating the Frequency, Co-occurrence, and Psychosocial Correlates of Childhood Multiple Victimization. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
33(2): 47-65. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2014-015
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