Path Analysis on Factors Contributing to Victimization in Adolescence
Abstract
Victimization is a serious problem in youth, and targets of victimization consequently, experience harmful effects, like loneliness/dissatisfaction, that can span across their life, however, it appears that not all victims are impacted equally. This level of influence seems to be determined by the victim’s perception of the victimization experience and the emotion regulation strategies employed. The current study aimed to examine factors that lead to victimization by building upon the revised social information processing framework of victimization. Specifically, the proposed model integrated interpersonal rejection sensitivity and loneliness/dissatisfaction along with emotion processing. It was hypothesized that individuals who had higher levels of interpersonal rejection sensitivity were more likely to employ maladaptive emotional regulation strategies (i.e., expressive suppression), which would place them at risk for future victimization and associated negative outcomes such as loneliness/dissatisfaction. Although no significant associations were found in respect to interpersonal rejection sensitivity, findings indicated feelings of loneliness/dissatisfaction can have an impact on emotion regulation. Results also highlighted the perpetual cycle of victimization and associated feelings of loneliness/dissatisfaction. Limitations of the current study as well as implications for future research were discussed.
Citation
Guillot-Dykes, Jaime Angelle (2022). Path Analysis on Factors Contributing to Victimization in Adolescence. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /197775.