Polyvictimization and social well-being in Colombian university students

Abstract

Multiple violent events in the same individual is a frequent phenomenon and negatively affects the way in which people perceive their functioning in society. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between Polyvictimization (PV) and Social Welfare (BS). An analytical observational study was designed. First semester students from a public university in the city of Santa Marta, Colombia, participated, who filled out the Trauma Symptoms Verification List (LVST) and the Keyes Social Well-being Scales. 590 students participated, aged between 18 to 57 years (M = 19.83 years; SD = 3.48), 55.3% male and 95.6% residing in socioeconomic stratum 1, 2 and 3. The multivariate analysis was estimated using opportunity ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The PV was related to the dimensions of BS integration (OR = 1,832 95% CI 1,221-2,747), acceptance (OR = 1,663 95% CI 1,125-2,460) and social contribution OR = 1,715 95% CI 1,055-2,789). It is concluded that multiple violence is linked to the components of integration, acceptance and social contribution. Studies are needed to identify the impact of PV on other indicators of social welfare and on social capital in university students.