Polyvictimization and Sexual Risk Behaviors in College-Aged Women

• Author: Laura Serrano Amerigo,Megan E. Harrelson,Apryl A. Alexander
• Published date: 01 September 2018
• DOI: 10.1177/0734016818767727
• Date: 01 September 2018
• Subject Matter: Articles

Article

Polyvictimization and Sexual

Risk Behaviors in College-Aged

Women

Apryl A. Alexander

1

, Laura Serrano Amerigo

2

,

and Megan E. Harrelson

3

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 poly-

victimization, 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) poly-

victimization 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 poly-

victimization; 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 poly-

victimization in relation to RSB and inform their prevention efforts given this link.

Keywords

polyvictimization, victimization, child maltreatment, child abuse, sexual behavior, college students

In the U.S. undergraduate population, risky sexual behavior (RSB), such as engaging in sexual

activity without contraceptives or having multiple sexual partners, is common (American College

Health Association, 2015). Engaging in RSB results in negative health outcomes for women includ-

ing infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sexually transmitted diseases (Abajobir, Kisely,

1

Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA

2

Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA

3

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA

Corresponding Author:

Apryl A. Alexander, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, 2450 S. Vine St., Denver,

CO 80208, USA.

Email: apryl.alexander@du.edu

Criminal Justice Review

2018, Vol. 43(3) 345-359

ª2018 Georgia State University

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DOI: 10.1177/0734016818767727

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