The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Adult Aggressive Behaviour

Abstract

Relationships connecting different kinds of childhood trauma with the aggressive behaviour in adulthood have been previously investigated. The majority of the studies have shown that childhood trauma could potentially lead to an adult aggressive behaviour in adulthood. This current study aims to investigate this hypothesis as well as to determine the potential factors in childhood trauma that could increase the adult aggressive behaviour. In that intention, an online survey was prepared using the "Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire" and "Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ)" to assess the childhood trauma experiences and the aggressive behaviour aspects of 100 participants. In the data analysis, the ACEs and BPAQ scores were calculated for each individual, and then a statistical analysis was performed. The results have shown that the childhood trauma exposure was directly linked to an adult aggressive behaviour. In addition, the regression models showed significant positive correlations between the childhood trauma and all the types of the aggressive behaviour. In conclusion, and in view of the obtained results, in addition to previous literature, it is extremely important to increase awareness about this subject for all parents, guardians and caregivers, in order to prevent childhood trauma in the first place and therefore adult aggression.