Conceptualizing Poly-Victimization: Exploring the Long-Term Effects Utilizing Constructivist Self-Development Theory
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Victimization in childhood (e.g.neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, bullying, etc.) is considered to be a widespread societal problem.Researchers and clinicians working in this area have recently contended that children exposed to one act of victimization in childhood are at an increased risk for exposure to additional acts of childhood victimization.This exposure to high levels of victimization in childhood has been term "poly-victimization."While researchers have recently begun to examine the short-and long-term effects of poly-victimization, two significant limitations of the current literature present themselves.First, the studies to date have been inconsistent in their definition and assessment of poly-victimization.This inconsistency leaves questions regarding the interpretation and generalizability of the findings across studies.The present study examined several methods of assessing poly-victimization that have been used in the current literature to determine whether one method of assessing polyvictimization was more effective than another.The second limitation is the tendency of past research to be atheoretical.Specifically, previous studies have focused primarily on symptoms associated with victimization in childhood, neglecting to explore possible underlying psychological constructs which may influence the development of psychological distress.The current study provides some preliminary exploration of Constructivist Self Development Theory (CSDT), focusing specifically on the development of self-capacities, as a plausible explanation behind the psychological distress often associated with childhood victimization.A sample of 738 undergraduate students were recruited to examine the research hypotheses for this study.Results regarding the effectiveness of the various methods of assessing poly-victimization were mixed.Findings showed a moderate association between poly-victimization and psychological distress, regardless of the method used to assess poly-victimization.Consistent with past research, poly-victims reported greater psychological distress than did non poly-victims.Effect sizes varied depending on the method and dependent variables assessed.Finally, a significant relation between impairment in self-capacities and a history of poly-victimization was observed.Specifically, poly-victims reported greater impairment in their self-capacities than did non poly-victims.This finding provides preliminary support for CSDT as a possible explanation for the development of psychological distress in individuals with a history of poly-victimization and encourages further research in this area.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS So many people have supported me throughout my education and particularly through this dissertation process.Without this support I could not have completed my doctoral degree as timely as I have.First I want to thank my largest and most important supporter, my husband, Keith.Without your unwavering understanding, encouragement, and level-headedness during my meltdowns, the last five years would have been ten times more stressful.Your pride in me and what I am striving to accomplish means so much.Perhaps my biggest motivator, I also want to thank our son, Mason, whose early arrival gave me the last big push I needed to write my Chapter 5. Thank you, Munch, for being so good and taking long naps while Mommy was frantically writing!I want to thank my parents for always believing in me and encouraging me to shoot for the stars.All three of you have supported me in whatever ways you could throughout my education and I appreciate that so much.I want to thank my chair, Dr. Jim Rogers, for sticking with me throughout this long process and putting up with my occasional anxiety.It took a few tries but we finally hammered out a study that I feel very proud of!I want to thank my committee members for all their time spent reading my long drafts and for their thoughtful and extremely helpful suggestions during my proposal and defense.Finally, I want to thank Dr. Ann Elliott and my internship cohort for all their support and help recruiting subjects for this study, I couldn't have done it without you!vi
Author: Jessica M. Moeller
Institution: University of Akron
Language: English
Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W40542917