Polyvictimization Of Interpersonal Violence And Mental Health In College Women

Research has established connections between interpersonal violence (IPV) and psychological disorders. The present study assessed the relationships between polyvictimization (PV) – multiple forms of IPV – and mental health in female college students at App State using a DSM- 5 psychological disorder screener and a demographics survey. Female participants (n = 134) were recruited for the study via SONA. Average age was 19.6 years, 83% were Caucasian, 88% were heterosexual, and 32% reported a current mental health diagnosis. Participants were asked about IPV, and 47% reported having experienced at least one form. The DSM screener included 13 psychological domains showing sleep problems (14%) as most common among participants. A continuous variable, “Number of IPV Types,” quantified PV, and the DSM domains were summed, variable “Total DSM.” A univariate ANOVA on sexual orientation (heterosexual vs non-heterosexual) found a difference in Number of IPV Types, with heterosexuals reporting fewer cases of PV, F(1,134) = 11.1, p < .001, but no differences in Total DSM. A multiple regression run on Number of IPV Types as the criterion variable using the psychological domains initially correlated with this found that only Somatization disorders (ß = .40, p < .001) and Suicidal Ideation (ß = .37, p < .002) were predictors (R2 = .27). This study suggests nearly half of App State women have experienced IPV, almost one-third report a current psychological disorder, and PV is significantly related to somatization and suicidal ideation.