The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Aggression in Delinquent Adolescents
The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation, Attachment and Mentalization
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12569843 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Maryam Afshari (0000-0001-5967-7575, Department of Psychology Kharazmi University Tehran Iran, corresponding author), Hadi Hashemi Razini (0009-0005-8677-4086, Department of Psychology Kharazmi University Tehran Iran), Fereydoun Yaryari (Department of Psychology Kharazmi University Tehran Iran), Hamid Khanipour (0000-0001-7706-5951, Department of Psychology Kharazmi University Tehran Iran) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-29 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Child & Family Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1356-7500 • E-ISSN: 1365-2206 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/cfs.70132 |
| OpenAlex | W7126094052 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 35 |
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), encompassing physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and dysfunctional family dynamics, profoundly influence the developmental trajectories of children and adolescents, posing a significant public health challenge globally. This cross‐sectional study investigated the mediating roles of emotion dysregulation, attachment and mentalization in the relationship between ACEs and aggression among 269 male delinquent adolescents, aged 15–18 years, at the Tehran Correctional and Rehabilitation Center from January to September 2023. Utilizing a correlational design with structural equation modelling (SEM), data were collected using self‐report measures, including the Brief Aggression Questionnaire, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Attachment Scale, Reflective Functioning Questionnaire and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0 and SmartPLS4, yielding satisfactory model fit indices (SRMR = 0.03, NFI = 0.96). Findings indicated that ACEs directly increase aggression ( β = 0.17, p < 0.01) and emotion dysregulation ( β = 0.63, p < 0.01) while reducing secure attachment and mentalization capacities ( p < 0.01). Emotion dysregulation ( β = 0.45, p < 0.01) notably predicts higher aggression, whereas attachment ( β = −0.13, p < 0.05) and mentalization ( β = −0.19, p < 0.01) showed weaker, less consistent direct effects on reducing aggression. Additionally, emotion dysregulation ( β = 0.28, p < 0.01), mentalization ( β = 0.12, p < 0.01) and attachment ( β = 0.07, p < 0.01) mediate the relationship between ACEs and aggression, suggesting that ACEs exacerbate aggression through heightened emotion dysregulation and impaired attachment and mentalization. These findings underscore the need for interventions targeting emotion regulation, attachment security and mentalization to reduce aggression in this population
Adverse Childhood Experiences · Aggression · Attachment theory · Dysfunctional family · Emotional dysregulation · Insecure attachment · Mentalization · Neglect · Poison control · Child Abuse and Trauma · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
Intergenerational transmission and prevention of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Childhood Maltreatment, Emotional Dysregulation, and Psychiatric Comorbidities
Protecting Against Adversity
Emotion regulation mediates the relationship between Aces and physical and mental health
The mediating role of emotion regulation strategies on psychopathology and suicidal behaviour following negative childhood experiences
| Highly cited | No |
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