Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3614-1326
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Terri Sullivan, PhD
Abstract
Early adolescents exposed to multiple forms of victimization (“polyvictimization”) may experience a number of detrimental psychosocial outcomes. Some person-centered research has identified victimization subgroups among adolescents but have not examined the overlap of peer, dating, and community victimization among Black early adolescents living in economically disadvantaged urban communities. Thus, this study empirically identifies victimization profiles in a sample of Black early adolescents to ascertain the patterns and correlates of polyvictimization. The present study aimed to (a) identify subgroups of Black early adolescents based on their frequency of peer, dating, and community victimization using latent profile analyses, and (b) evaluate the extent to subgroups were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms, positive outlook, and the presence of caring adult(s). Participants were 742 early adolescents (100% Black, 51% female) in sixth (n = 245), seventh (n = 285), and eighth (n = 285) grade attending middle schools that predominantly served low-income neighborhoods with high rates of violence.
Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of Black early adolescents with different victimization patterns in the past 3 months. A 3-profile model was identified to best fit the data. The subgroups included (a) Low Victimization (89%), (b) Community and Peer Victims (4%), and (c) Polyvictims (7%). Profiles were uniquely related to posttraumatic stress symptoms and the presence of caring adult(s), but not to positive outlook. Understanding the unique patterns of victimization among Black early adolescents will aid in development or modification of violence intervention programs to ensure they are culturally and contextually salient.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
10-13-2025