Criminal victimization, cognitive social capital and mental health in an urban region in Germany: a path analysis

Reinhold Kilian,Annabel Müller-Stierlin,Natalie Lamp,Carolin Von Gottberg,Thomas Becker

doi:10.1007/s00127-020-02021-5

Reinhold Kilian, Annabel Müller-Stierlin + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-02021-5

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Abstract

PurposeThere is ample evidence that experiencing a criminal victimization is associated with lasting emotional problems among victims. To date, the mechanisms behind this association are not well understood. Based on the theoretical assumptions derived from a transactional stress-appraisal and coping model this study analyses the role of cognitive social capital (SC) in the association between criminal victimization (CV) and victims’ mental health.MethodsA cross-sectional, computer-aided telephone survey including a representative sample of 3005 persons from three German cities was conducted. Respondents were asked about CV during their lifetime, cognitive SC, perceived victimization risk, perceived safety and perceived ability to prevent victimization. The PHQ-4 was used as a measure of anxiety and depression. The data were analyzed by means of logistic regression models and a path model controlled for sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsLifetime CV with any type of crime was associated with a clinically relevant increased risk of mental disorder (PHQ-4 ≥ 9; OR 1.8, p ≤ 0.05). Path analyses revealed that the direct association between CV and PHQ-4 (β = 0.454; p ≤ 0.01) was significantly diminished by cognitive SC (β = − 0.373; p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionOur results suggest that cognitive SC is an individual resilience factor against negative experiences related to CV and that it holds the potential to diminish negative mental health consequences of CV. Further research should explore to what extent an enhancement of cognitive SC can help to prevent anxiety and depression among crime victims.

Highlights

Beyond physical injury and property loss, the experience of being a victim of a criminal act has both short- and longterm negative effects on mental health [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12]
We developed a path model including the core variables in line with the theoretical perspectives discussed above: If cognitive social capital (SC) works as a buffer against the negative effects of criminal victimization on mental health we would expect moderating associations between cognitive SC and the paths from criminal victimization to perceived future victimization, perceived safety and on mental health
While the direct association between criminal victimization (CV) and mental illness symptoms identified in the path model is in accordance with trauma psychology [60] the lack of significant associations between cognitive SC and perceived safety fails to support the assumption that CV affects mental health indirectly through violating basic human assumptions about the safety of the world and the general benevolence and supportiveness of fellow humans[10]

Summary

Introduction

Beyond physical injury and property loss, the experience of being a victim of a criminal act has both short- and longterm negative effects on mental health [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12].

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Results

Conclusion