Caught in the web of polyvictimization: Network analysis of theoretical clusters versus data-driven groupings of potentially traumatic events among adolescents.

BACKGROUND

Exposure to multiple potentially traumatic events (PTEs; e.g., maltreatment, family or community violence), is a robust risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Identifying patterns of PTE exposure (i.e., polyvictimization) is essential for understanding youth risk for subsequent PTE exposure and mental health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The current study used network analysis to characterize interrelations among PTEs and their connections to PTSD symptoms, and examined whether theoretically grounded classifications versus data-driven constellations of individual PTEs differentially capture polyvictimization patterns and associations with symptoms.

METHODS

Data were drawn from 3614 youth (Mage[SD] = 14.63[1.67]; 50 % female youth) who reported on lifetime exposure to 31 distinct PTEs and PTSD symptoms. The study compared network structures and metrics indexing PTE and PTSD symptom interconnectedness across two approaches: (1) a priori theoretically-grounded PTE categories and (2) data-driven groupings of individual PTEs.

RESULTS

Results from categorical and individual networks revealed both distinct and overlapping polyvictimization and symptom patterns. Aggregating PTEs into broad categories obscured key connections among "lower severity" PTEs (e.g., caregiver spanking/slapping, touching on private parts) that were strongly linked to polyvictimization and symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Theoretical, broad groupings may not accurately reflect patterns of PTE exposure in youth. Findings highlight the value of data-driven approaches and the importance of assessing individual PTEs to capture the complexity of polyvictimization. Results also highlight potential targets for prevention and intervention among PTE exposed youth (e.g., caregiver behaviors) and provide guidance for future the operationalization of polyvictimization in studies linking PTE and emotional and behavioral health outcomes.