Polyvictimization Profiles and Variations in Youth Mental Health Symptoms: A Person-Centered Approach

Polyvictimization, exposure to multiple potentially traumatic events (PTEs), is prevalent and has profound mental health implications. Investigating the patterns and impact of co-occurring PTEs during childhood is essential to design and deliver tailored clinical services. This study included a diverse community sample of 326 youth (ages 7-16). Latent class analysis (LCA) of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criterion A events was conducted to identify PTE classes. Classes were further characterized using race-related, peer, and dating victimization, and psychopathology symptoms (PTSD, anxiety, depression). Three classes emerged: (1) low trauma, (2) interpersonal and community violence (IPV/CV), and (3) emotional abuse, neglect, and interpersonal violence in familial relationships (EA/N/IPVFam). Demographics, total PTEs, age at first exposure, race-related events, PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms varied across classes, indicating functional significance of identified profiles. Results underscore the importance of considering PTE profiles and person-centered approaches to understand and address trauma-related sequelae in youth.