Risky Behaviors Associated With Interpersonal Victimization

Abstract

This study investigated the association of recent risk-taking behaviors (i.e., substance use and risky sexual behaviors) and lifetime interpersonal victimization in a sample of 310 female university students. Specifically, type of victimization (sexual or physical), number of experiences (single vs. multiple), and characteristics of assault (e.g., relationship to the perpetrator) were examined. Univariate analyses indicated that experiencing single and multiple incidents of sexual assault, multiple incidents of physical assault, and both sexual and physical assaults were associated with greater involvement in risk-taking behaviors. In addition, regression analyses revealed that younger age and experiencing sexual assault were uniquely associated with involvement in risky behaviors. Examination of specific characteristics associated with risk taking among victims of sexual assault revealed that experiencing sexual assault in both childhood and adulthood, assault by a friend or acquaintance, and assault by multiple perpetrators were associated with increased involvement in risky behaviors. Implications for future research endeavors are discussed.