Revictimization rates and method variance: A meta-analysis

The present meta-analytic review examined revictimization rates and sources of variance among rates provided by 19 empirical studies of adult females. In this review, revictimization refers to the occurrence of at least one i ncident of childhood sexual abuse followed by a subsequent incident of adul t sexual victimization. Studies were included in the review if they provide d rates of revictimization and had a comparison sample of nonrevictimized w omen. The overall effect size for revictimization was .59, a moderate effec t, suggesting a definite relationship between childhood victimization and a dult victimization experiences. The overall effect size was heterogeneous a nd various study characteristics and definition issues were examined to det ermine their effect on revictimization rates. The most striking, although n ot surprising finding, was that studies in which more inclusive definitions of abuse were utilized yielded smaller effect sizes than studies that used more restrictive definitions of abuse. Studies that examine victimization or revictimization are often concerned with learning more about the phenome non with the expectation that by understanding the underlying mechanism, pr evention and treatment can be better focused. The interpretation given to r esults from past and future studies should take into account these factors found to influence estimations of revictimization rates. (C) 2001 Elsevier Studies Ltd.