Impact of poly-victimization and resilience on anxiety: Delinquent and non-delinquent youth samples

Abstract

Victims of poly-victimization reveal a higher negative impact than victims of a single type of violence. Exposure to multiple types of violence is a stronger predictor of developing worse mental health outcomes. The main objectives of this study are to verify the relationship between poly-victimization, anxiety, and resilience, compare delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents, and identify the predictors of anxiety. The sample comprises 143 adolescents between 12 and 17 years old (M = 14.93, SD = 1.63), of which 97 (67.8 %) were identified as young delinquents and 46 (32.2 %) as non-delinquents. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ), the Resilience Scale (RS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAIC C-2). Analysis showed a relationship between JVQ, the RS, and the STAIC C-2. Compared to non-delinquents, young delinquents reported more childhood victimization episodes, more anxiety, and less resilience. Additionally, gender, poly-victimization, and resilience are significant predictors of anxiety. The findings showed that poly-victimization and resilience affect anxiety.