Understanding Multi‐Victimization: Identifying Socioecological Supports Among Adolescents
Journal of School Health / The Journal of School Health
Published online on June 24, 2026
Abstract
["Journal of School Health, Volume 96, Issue 7, July 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\n\nBackground\nTransgender and gender‐diverse adolescents (TGDA) experience multiple victimization types (i.e., multi‐victimization) more often than their cisgender peers. While greater socioecological supports are associated with reduced victimization, their role in protecting TGDA against multi‐victimization is underexplored.\n\nMethods\nWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of health risk behavior survey data from students (N = 4207) across 13 high schools in a mid‐sized U.S. city. We compared victimization rates and socioecological support levels (i.e., parental monitoring, perceived social support, food and housing security) and associations between socioecological support and victimization, accounting for between‐school differences. We included two‐way interactions between gender and socioecological supports.\n\nResults\nTGDA reported more frequent multi‐victimization and lower socioecological support than cisgender adolescents. Across all groups, greater socioecological support was associated with experiencing fewer victimization types. Food security was more protective for cisgender girls than cisgender boys.\n\nImplications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity\nEnhancing socioecological support may reduce multi‐victimization for all youth, with TGDA having the greatest need. Schools' advocacy and innovative efforts to bolster socioecological support are critical to TGDA wellbeing.\n\nConclusions\nModifiable socioecological supports may reduce adolescent multi‐victimization. TGDA have lower support rates and higher multi‐victimization rates, suggesting the need for tailored interventions.\n"]