The Effects of Child and Adult Victimization on Psychological Distress: A Mediated Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Abstract

Justice-involved women experience significantly higher rates of victimization and psychological distress, and these experiences place women at greater risk of initial and ongoing involvement in the criminal justice system. This research explored the relationship between victimization, the hypothesized mediators (social support and coping), and psychological distress among a sample of 406 victimized women on probation/parole. Results of the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were significant and indicated a partial mediation model (74%) with both direct and indirect effects. Based upon the results of this research, implications and future research are explored regarding gender-responsive practices for this population.