“The level and kinds of abuse I witnessed was abhorrent:” Vicarious Victimization of Adolescents in Insular Behavior Modification

• In Event: Unpacking the Troubled Teen Industry—Part 1: Origins and Structure of Adolescent Behavior Modification

Abstract

The “Troubled Teen Industry” refers to a network of federally unregulated programs marketed toward adolescents. Previous literature has shown that such programs have a history of abusive behaviors towards the adolescents they serve. High prevalence of victimization within these programs opens youth to the risk of vicarious victimization. Vicarious victimization may act as a stressor for negative outcomes, including future delinquency and victimization or negative mental health. This study seeks to determine how vicarious victimization is occurring within these programs by systematically analyzing 77 unstructured, open-source testimonials of former program attendees for themes vicarious victimization. 20 testimonials contained themes of vicarious victimization and provide important insight into the lived experiences of vicarious victimization within insular behavior modification.

Authors

• Tanis Creveling, University of Cincinnati

• Rachel M. Corsello, University of South Dakota