Polyvictimization, polystrengths, and their contribution to subjective well-being and posttraumatic growth.

Abstract

The negative biopsychosocial outcomes associated with exposure to victimization are well-known, however, limited research has examined the protective factors that can enhance well-being and growth following polyvictimization from in-person and digital sources. This study examines the contribution of adversities and a range of psychological and social strengths on perceptions of subjective well-being and posttraumatic growth (PTG). A sample of 478 individuals aged 12-75 (57.5% female; Mage = 36.44) from a largely rural Appalachian region of the United States completed a survey on victimization experiences, other adversities, psychosocial strengths, subjective well-being, and PTG. Approximately 93.3% of individuals reported at least one digital or in-person victimization, with 82.8% reporting two or more forms of victimization. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that strengths explained more than three times the variance in subjective well-being and PTG compared to adversities, with both models explaining about half of the variance in these outcomes (49% and 50%, respectively). Psychological endurance, sense of purpose, teacher support, and polystrengths were significantly associated with better well-being and/or PTG. Some strengths hold more promise than others for promoting well-being and PTG following polyvictimization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).