Attachment and social support mediate associations between polyvictimization and psychological distress in early Uganda and Kenya adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundThere is strong evidence that the experience of several potentially traumatic events (polyvictimization) is a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological distress among adolescents. The identification of the variables that influence the link between polyvictimization and PTSD and other psychiatric symptoms is warranted. ObjectiveWe analyzed the associations between polyvictimization, PTSD symptoms (PTSS) and psychiatric symptoms in Kenya and Uganda adolescents, and explored the mediating roles of attachment orientations and perceived social support in the associations between polyvictimization, PTSS and psychiatric symptoms among adolescents from lower-middle-income countries (LALMIC). Participants and settingA sample of 481 Kenyan adolescents (M = 16.28; SD = 1.878) and a sample of 408 Uganda adolescents (M = 15.95; SD = 1.377) completed validated self-report questionnaires. MethodsSerial multiple mediation models were tested by conducting a structural equation modelling employing Preacher and Hayes' procedures (2008). ResultsPolyvictimization was related to higher PTSS and psychiatric symptoms. Importantly, polyvictimization was significantly linked to high attachment anxiety, which was linked with low perceived social support, which in turn was linked with high PTSS levels and psychiatric symptoms. ConclusionsHigh levels of attachment anxiety might be connected with lack of perceived social support, which might be seen as a possible psychological distress mechanism subsequent to exposure to polyvictimization in adolescence from LALMIC.