Familial Pathways to Polyvictimization for Sexual Minority Youth: Homonegative, Dangerous, and Adverse Family Typologies

The purpose of this basic research project is to address the following aims with sexual minority youth: (1) identify the lifetime prevalence, past year incidence, and correlates of polyvictimization, (2) explore and establish a conceptual model of family typologies (homonegative, dangerous, and adverse) and (mediating factors internalizing problems, peer rejection) that lead to polyvictimization, and (3) inform the design of future research, policies, and practices to prevent polyvictimization. Adapting a conceptual model of polyvictimization developed by Finkelhor and colleagues (2009), this study proposes a new pathway to polyvictimization for sexual minority youth stemming from family level homonegative microaggression. The study will utilize an Internet-based, quota sample (N=760) to ensure a sufficient number of youth from all sexual minority categories. Inclusion criteria include nonheterosexual identity, 14-19 years old, middle or high school enrollment within the past year, U.S. residency, and English literacy. The study will utilize a cross-sectional, quantitative design and two recruitment strategies for the online survey: (1) targeted Facebook advertisements and (2) promotional materials distributed by ten youth organizations across the country. Polyvictimization will be assessed with the Homonegative Microaggression Scale, Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, Swearer Bullying Survey, and Online Victimization Scale. Chi-square and ANOVA tests will be used to examine the co-occurrence of different forms of victimization and differences in prevalence and incidence rates by individual, family, school, and community characteristics. Latent profile analyses will be used to identify clustering of family typologies and logistic regression to identify family and community factors that predict class membership. The conceptual model and its mediators will be tested using techniques developed by Preacher and Hayes (2004).

ca/ncf