Methods: This study used a correlational research design that utilized data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a national, longitudinal research study that examined the possible consequences of childbearing outside of marriage. The Social-Ecological Model was used as the framework for this study.
Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the 11-factor hypothesized polyvictimization measurement model was tested to see if it could accurately assess victimization among children. CFA was also used to identify the strongest indicators of victimization in the model and to identify if the four hypothesized pathways to polyvictimization were able to predict the seven victimization types.
Results: Results found that the hypothesized polyvictimization measurement model is an accurate measure to assess victimization among children. Strong indicators of victimization were identified and strong correlation and predictor measures were discovered.
Conclusion: Polyvictimization often goes undetected and persists over long periods of time. Children who experience polyvictimization need to be identified because they are at particularly high risk of additional victimization and traumatic psychological effects. Nurses and other health care professionals need to be able to identify children on the path to polyvictimization or those children who are polyvictimized so that they might be able to direct prevention resources to these children and their families to prevent vulnerable children from becoming polyvictimized.