Abstract

Author:
Syed Faraz Ali, Aqeel Khan

Doi: 10.26480/mmhj.01.2025.23.27

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This study explores the extent of polyvictimization and its psychological consequences among adolescents in India. Drawing on a sample of 348 adolescents aged 12 to 19, the research investigates the prevalence of multiple victimization types, such as conventional crime, child maltreatment, peer and sibling victimization, sexual abuse, and indirect victimization—and their association with trauma symptoms, self-esteem, and psychological distress. Utilizing validated instruments including the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ), Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the study reveals high rates of victimization, with over 80% of participants reporting exposure to at least four forms of abuse. The findings indicate that polyvictimized adolescents experience moderate trauma symptoms, low self-esteem, and high psychological distress, highlighting the compounded impact of cumulative victimization. These results emphasize the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and policies that address the complex psychosocial needs of adolescents in vulnerable settings. The study contributes to the growing body of research on polyvictimization and calls for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approaches to adolescent mental health care in India.