Violent Victimization and Future Expectations: Results from a Longitudinal Study of At-Risk Youth

• In Event: Children and Youths as Victims of Crime

Abstract

Although victimization is associated with a host of negative consequences (Macmillan & Hagan, 2004; Ruback & Thompson, 2001; Turanovic & Pratt, 2015), less is known about how victimization may influence an individual’s expectations for the future. Research has documented that victimization influences self-esteem and self-blame, which may in turn influence people’s beliefs about themselves and their futures (Jamieson & Romer, 2008). In doing so, a person’s expectations about the future victimization and their ability to reduce its occurrence may be impacted (Melde, 2009; Tillyer, 2015; Wilcox, Rountree & Land, 1996). Despite this possibility, the link between victimization and expectations for the future has not been fully examined. Using longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance data, the current study evaluates victimization and expectations for the future in a more comprehensive fashion than previously done. In addition, we perform within-person analyses to examine these relationships over time. Implications for policy and directions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Chrystina Hoffman, Georgia State University

• Leah E. Daigle, Georgia State University