Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
The cascade of victimization: Multiple victimizations, PTSD symptoms, and educational consequences among college
Megan Bears Augustyn1, Marie Skubak Tillyer2, Kellie R Lynch2
1College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Objective:
Examine PTSD symptoms and educational consequences associated with victimization.
Participants:
First semester students (N = 2,388) from two Hispanic-serving institutions followed over one year.
Methods:
Participants completed three waves of online surveys at 6-month intervals, reporting short- and long-term consequences across 12 victimization types. Bivariate comparisons in academic outcomes (missed class(es), poor class performance, dropped class(es), GPA, and school dropout) were assessed. Mediation models examined the relationship between victimization incidents involving victims with one versus multiple victimizations (i.e., repeat and polyvictimization), PTSD symptoms, and educational consequences.
Results:
Differences in GPA and school dropout only emerged between non-victims and victims with multiple victimization experiences. Repeat and polyvictimization were associated with a greater likelihood of educational consequence. PTSD symptoms either partially or fully accounted for the exacerbating effect of multiple victimization.
Conclusions:
Multiple victimization experiences are consequential for student health and academic achievement, necessitating trauma-informed programming to reduce victimization and address trauma-related symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Bullying
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Traumatic Memory

