Resilience as a Mediator between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Aggression Perpetration in Forensic Inpatients: an Exploratory Study. Issue 7 (9th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dambacher, Carina; Kreutz, Julian; Titze, Larissa; Lutz, Maximilian; Franke, Irina; Streb, Judith; Dudeck, Manuela
• Is Part Of: Journal of aggression, maltreatment & trauma. Volume 31:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 910
• Page End: 925
• Publication Date: 2022-08-09
• Subjects: Childhood maltreatment -- adverse childhood experiences -- appetitive aggression -- reactive aggression -- resilience -- violence -- offender -- forensic psychiatry; Violence -- Periodicals; Offenses against the person -- Periodicals; Aggression -- Periodicals; Crime Victims -- Periodicals; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic -- Periodicals; Violence -- Periodicals; 616.8582
• DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2021.2019155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1092-6771

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Studies have found associations between adverse childhood experiences (e.g., maltreatment) and the risk of becoming a perpetrator of violence, a relationship referred to as the "cycle of violence." However, not all victims of such adverse experiences become offenders in adulthood. Resilience has been suggested as a protective factor, so this study examined the influence of resilience on the association between adverse childhood experiences and aggression. A total of 57 male forensic inpatients completed self-report measures on adverse childhood experiences, reactive and appetitive aggression and resilience. Those reporting childhood maltreatment had lower resilience scores and higher reactive and appetitive aggression scores; further analysis revealed a correlation between the two. Mediation analysis showed that resilience was a full mediator between adverse childhood experiences and reactive and appetitive aggression. These findings suggest a role of resilience in the cycle of violence. Considering these associations might improve treatment and risk assessment in forensic psychiatry.