Given the high prevalence of internalizing disorders during adolescence, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing their development and evolution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of polyvictimization in developing internalizing symptoms while considering the possible effect of non-productive coping and the availability of social sup-port. The participants were 144 adolescents (M = 14.31, SD = 1.48) cared for in child and adolescent mental health services. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that polyvictimization, non-productive coping and social support were good predictors of internalizing symptoms. In addition, non-productive coping acted as a mediator in the rela-tionship between polyvictimization and internalizing symptoms. The results of the study emphasized the importance of the studied factors to understanding the process of devel-opment internalizing symptoms and to preventing or treating adolescents who suffer from these types of disorders.
Cristóbal Guerra, Noemí Pereda, Georgina Guilera, Judit Abad
Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal – Publicación oficial de ISPCAN (International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect)
2016