The association of childhood polyvictimization with physical and mental health status in early adulthood

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the association between the experience of polyvictimization in childhood and physical/mental health during early adulthood (between the ages of 18–39). Retrospective cross‐sectional data from 406 respondents aged 18–39 were selected from the 2012 Korean General Social Survey. Following standards set in previous studies, polyvictimization is defined in this study as experiencing five or more types of violence. The outcomes of this study included self‐rated health, depression, and suicidal ideation. The results indicated that 8.37% (n = 34) of the total respondents were polyvictimized. This study found that all health‐related outcomes in adulthood were significantly associated with polyvictimization in childhood, and women who experienced polyvictimization in childhood faced greater the risk of suicidal ideation and depression than men. In conclusion, this study suggests the importance of taking into account the lasting association of childhood polyvictimization with health into adulthood. Practical implications for social work and suggestions for future studies are described.