Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Abstract #327
Understanding Risk and Resilience in the Context of Childhood Polyvictimization
Presenter: Kathryn Scrafford  
Abstract:
Research exploring associations has emphasized single types of trauma exposure rather than exposure to multiple forms of violence. The study examined: the relationship between childhood and adulthood victimization; patterns of victimization and their association with current personality dimensions and resilience; and the associations between personality dimensions and resilience. A sample of 296 adults (18-76) exposed to violence in childhood responded to the survey online.A logistic regression examined the contribution of childhood victimization (CV) to adulthood re-victimization (AR) controlling for past year stress (PYS). Both CV (β=.124) and PYS (β =.092) significantly predicted AR.Based on victimization history, four groups were created (1= ≤ 3 events CV without AR; 2= ≥ 4 events CV without AR; 3= ≤ 3 events CV+AR; 4= ≥ 4 events CV+AR). ANOVAs revealed no significant differences in resilience or personality factors by victimization history except openness (F(3,268)=4.99, p