Citation

Dambacher C, Kreutz J, Titze L, Lutz M, Franke I, Streb J, Dudeck M. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 2022; 31(7): 910-925.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10926771.2021.2019155

PMID

unavailable

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.

Language: en

Keywords

adverse childhood experiences; appetitive aggression; Childhood maltreatment; forensic psychiatry; offender; reactive aggression; resilience; violence