Polyvictimization and Sexual Risk Behaviors in College-Aged Women

Abstract

Current research suggests a link between childhood sexual abuse and risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) in emerging adults. However, previous studies neglect evaluating the influence of high levels of cumulative childhood victimization. The present study examined the relationships among polyvictimization, six aggregate categories of childhood victimization, and RSB in college women. This study first examined the relative contributions of polyvictimization and individual categories of childhood victimization in predicting RSB and then tested whether polyvictimization contributes any unique variance, beyond that accounted for by the combination of all six aggregate categories in a sample of 321 college women in a Southern state. Regression analyses reveal that (a) polyvictimization accounts for a significant proportion of variability in scores for RSB, beyond that accounted for by any of the six categories of childhood victimization alone; (b) the categories of childhood victimization contribute little to no variability beyond that accounted for by polyvictimization; and (c) polyvictimization accounts for a significant proportion of variability in RSB, beyond that already accounted for by the simultaneous entry of all six categories as predictor variables. Results suggest treatment providers working with college students should assess polyvictimization in relation to RSB and inform their prevention efforts given this link.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes of Violence Against Women and Girls in Lower-Income Countries: A Review of Reviews

“…This oversight is a missed opportunity to understand women's lived experiences, which may include the sequential or co-occurrence of various forms of GBV by age 24 years. The impact of sequential and/or concurrent GBV may differ than that of single GBV exposures (Alexander, Amerigo, & Harrelson, 2018). The timing of exposure also may matter; for instance, the SRH effects of IPV before versus during pregnancy may differ (Islam, Broidy, Mazerolle, Baird, & Mazumder, 2018).…”

Polyvictimization in the Lives of North American Female University/College Students: The Contribution of Technology-Facilitated Abuse

“…Even when university/college-aged adults were studied, the main concern was the effect of childhood multiple victimizations on current behavior. For example, Alexander, Amerigo, and Harrelson (2018) found that polyvictimization was the best predictor of what they termed "risky sexual behavior" among postsecondary school women (p. 345), whereas Espelage, Hong, and Mebane (2016) and Holt et al (2017) found childhood polyvictimization related to current psychological functioning among such students.…”

Editorial Introduction to the Special Issue

“…Also drawing from a developmental perspective, Alexander, Serrano-Amerigo, and Harrelson (2018) shed important light on the relationship between childhood polyvictimization and maladaptive life outcomes. In their study of college women in a U.S. Southern state, the authors examine whether experiencing multiple forms of victimization in childhood (i.e., polyvictimization) leads to risky sexual behaviors in early adulthood.…”