Volume 23, Issue 6 (2-2025)
TB 2025, 23(6): 33-48 |
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Sabri F, Barzegar bafrooei K, Hassani H. The Role of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment in Adult Aggression with the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in Students at Yazd University. TB 2025; 23 (6) :33-48
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3684-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3684-en.html
Yazd University , k.barzegar@yazd.ac.ir
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The Role of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment in Adult Aggression with the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in Students at Yazd University
Faezeh Sabri(M.A.)1, Kazem Barzegar Bafrooei(Ph.D.)2, Hossain Hassani(Ph.D.)3
1.M.A. Graduate Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
2.Corresponding Author: Associate Professor Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran. Email: k.barzegar@yazd.ac.ir Tel: 09132733908
3.Assistant Professor Curriculum Development, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Dealing with aggression in adults and adolescents is essential for creating a better society, and one of the most important steps in this regard is understanding the variables and factors that influence aggression.Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of childhood emotional maltreatment in adolescent aggression with the mediating role of emotion regulation in university students in Yazd.
Method: The research method was quantitative in terms of approach, applied in terms of purpose, and non-experimental in nature (descriptive-correlational). The statistical population consisted of humanities students at Yazd University in the academic year 2022-2023, of which 200 were selected as the sample. Non-random sampling method was used. The research tools included the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (1992), the Life Experiences Questionnaire by Gibb et al. (2001), and the Emotion Regulation Difficulties Questionnaire by Gratz and Roemer (2004), with reliability coefficients obtained through cronbach's alpha of 0/88, 0/92, and 0/90, respectively. For data analysis, structural equation modeling was employed using SPSS25 and AMOS24 software.
Rusults: The results showed that childhood emotional maltreatment significantly and directly predicts adolescent aggression (β=0/28, p<0/01), as well as emotion regulation difficulties (β=0/48, p<0/01), and that emotion regulation difficulties positively and significantly affect student aggression as a mediating variable (β=0/54, p< 0/01).
Conclusion: F The type of parental behavior towards the child, especially emotional maltreatment during childhood, can have a significant impact on adult life, as well as the tendency towards aggression and the level of individual emotion regulation.
Keywords: Adulthood, Aggression, Childhood, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Maltreatment
References
1-Golchin M, Karimi A, Rezaei A & et al. Thematic analysis of violence of married men and women against their spouses. The Women and Families Cultural-Educational. 2023;18(63):305-332. [Persian]
2-Baewja, R. Irritability and Aggression in Pediatric ADHD: Current Evidence and Treatment Options. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2024;63(10):S153-S154.
3-Puchalapalli A, Vishnoi G, Ershadi M & et al. A Retrospective Review of Episodes of Aggression in a Child and Adolescent Inpatient Population in a Community Hospital. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2024;63(10):S207.
4-Chapman R, Ebzery K, Ronken C & et al. Factors that influence therapy completion in a child sexual abuse counselling service. Children and Youth Services Review. 2025;171:108195.
5-Moullin S, Milne B. The effects of unconditional cash transfers on child abuse and neglect in early childhood: Evidence from New Zealand. Child Abuse & Neglect. 2025;161:107260.
6-Siu G, Byekwaso C, Ikwara E & et al. Gendered and transactional relationships: Children's experiences of being parented and perspectives on their relationships with their parents in Uganda. Child Protection and Practice. 2025;4:100115.
7-Farhang Esfahani M. The Role of Childhood Abuse Experience with Aggression; the Mediating Effect of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Difficulty in Regulating Emotion in Students. RJMS. 2021;28(9):204-14. [Persian]
8-Fields C, Keller P, El-Sheikh M. Associations between parent and child antisocial behavior: Aggression in family relationships as a mechanism of risk. Personality and Individual Differences. 2025;238:113077.
9-Şenkal Ertürk İ, Kahya Y, & Gör N. Childhood emotional maltreatment and aggression: The mediator role of the early maladaptive schema domains and difficulties in emotion regulation. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. 2020;29(1):92–110.
10-Pacífico A, Silva M, Piola T & et al. Bullying victimization and aggression, physical activity and sedentary behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Children and Youth Services Review. 2024;163:107743.
11-Alacha H, Lefler E, Hartung C. Disruptive behaviors and aggression. Encyclopedia of Adolescence (Second Edition). 2024;221-234.
12-Gu H, Ma P, Xia T. Childhood emotional abuse and adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury: The mediating role of identity confusion and moderating role of rumination. Child Abuse Negl. 2020;106:104474.
13-Duarte D, Belzeaux R, Etain B & et al. Childhood-maltreatment subtypes in bipolar patients with suicidal behavior: systematic review and meta-analysis. Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(5):558-567.
14-Lineback K, Baer H, Zhang Y. Independent Contributions of Callous-Unemotional Behaviors and Quantitative Autistic Traits to Aggression in Early Childhood. JAACAP Open. 2024;2(2):100-111.
15-Maleki M, Shehni yailagh M. The Relationship between Cyber Aggression and Emotion Regulation, Self-Control and Depression in Male High School Students in Ahvaz in 2021-2022: A Descriptive Study. JRUMS. 2022;21(7):741-756. [Persian]
16-Mohseni S, Barzgar M, Bezaei A. The influence of cognitive emotion regulation strategies on the causal links between early maladaptive schemas, anger rumination and aggression. Journal of Psychological Science. 2022;21(119):9. [Persian]
17-Amini S, Mardani Rad M, Kosravi Babadi A A & et al. The role of communicative covert aggression and cognitive emotion regulation in predicting marital satisfaction. IJRN. 2023;9(4):4. [Persian]
18-Oei A, Li D, Chu C & et al. Disruptive behaviors, antisocial attitudes, and aggression in young offenders: Comparison of Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) typologies. Child Abuse & Neglect. 2024;141:106191.
19-Smeijers D, Benbouriche M & Garofalo C. The association between emotion, social information processing, and aggressive behavior: A systematic review. European Psychologist. 2020;25(2):81-91.
20-Buss AH, Perry M. The aggression questionnaire. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1992;63(3):452-459.
21-Mohammadi N. Preliminary investigation of the psychometric indicators of the Aggression Questionnaire BAS-Perry. J Soc Hum Sci Shiraz Univ. 2006;25(4):135-151.
22-Najarian B, Iran D. Construction and validation of SCL-25 (short form of SCL-90-R). J Psychol. 2001;5(2):136-149.
23-Gibb BE, Benas JS, Crossett SE & et al. Emotional Maltreatment and Verbal Victimization in Childhood. Journal of Emotional Abuse. 2007;7:2,59-73.
24-Gibb BE, Alloy LB, Abramson LY & et al. History of Childhood Maltreatment, Negative Cognitive Styles, and Episodes of Depression in Adulthood. Cognitive Therapy and Research. 2001;25,425–446.
25-Gratz KL, Roemer L. Multidimensional Assessment of Emotion Regulation and Dysregulation: Development, Factor Structure, and Initial Validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment. 2004;26:41-54.
26-Azizi A, Mirzaei A, Shams J. Correlation between Distress Tolerance and Emotional Regulation With Students Smoking Dependence. Hakim. 2010;13(1):11-18. [Persian]
27-Sepehrian Azar F, Asadi Majreh S, Asadnia S & et al. The relationship between attachment and coping styles with emotion dysregulation in adolescence. Studies in Medical Sciences. 2014;25(10):922-930. [Persian]
28-Shid Anbarani B, Gol A, Farhadian F & et al. The Role of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment in Predicting Adulthood Aggression. Journal of Psychology. 2020;24(1(93)):57-74. [Persian]
29-Şenkal Ertürk İ, Kahya Y, & Gör N. Childhood emotional maltreatment and aggression: The mediator role of the early maladaptive schema domains and difficulties in emotion regulation. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. 2020;29(1):92–110.
30-Adib Rahnama F, Afshari A, Farah Bijari A. The Role of Child Maltreatment in Self-Control of Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Gender and Self-Compassion. Positive Psychology Research. 2023;9(1):47-64. [Persian]
31-Erfanifar F, Zarani F, Shokri O. Emotional maltreatment and Internalizing Disorders in Adolescent Girls: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation. Journal of Woman and Family Studies. 2018;6(1):93-108. [Persian]
32-Mirzaalian dastjerdi F. Predicting high-risk behaviors based on childhood abuse mediated by maladaptive schemas of primary school students. A new approach to children's education quarterly. 2022;4(3):76-83. [Persian]
33-Ghaffarzadeh Namazi R, Yaryari F, Hashemi Razini H. Prediction of aggression in adolescents based on the quality of interpersonal relationships and cognitive regulation of emotion strategies. Rooyesh. 2024;13(3):11-20. [Persian]
34-Amini S, Mardani Rad M, Kosravi Babadi A A & et al. The role of communicative covert aggression and cognitive emotion regulation in predicting marital satisfaction. IJRN. 2023;9(4):4. [Persian]
35-Maleki M, Shehni yailagh M. The Relationship between Cyber Aggression and Emotion Regulation, Self-Control and Depression in Male High School Students in Ahvaz in 2021-2022: A Descriptive Study. JRUMS. 2022;21(7):741-756. [Persian]
36-Smeijers D, Benbouriche M & Garofalo C. The association between emotion, social information processing, and aggressive behavior: A systematic review. European Psychologist. 2020;25(2):81-91.
37-Abousaedi Jirofti S, Marouf Sofian A, Nemati Sogolitappeh F & et al. The Mediating Role of Maladaptive Emotion Regulation in the relationship between Dark Personality Traits and Cyber Aggression. Rooyesh. 2024;13(5):57-66. [Persian]
38-Petrovic L, Baker C, Francois S & et al. Expanding the framework of childhood adversity: Structural violence and aggression in childhood. Child Protection and Practice. 2025;4:100092.
39-Gorji M, Salehi S. The Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Predicting Resilience. Socialworkmag. 2020;8(4):52-60. [Persian]
40-Baskin-Sommers A, Viding E, Barber M & et al. Advancing the science of biosocial transactions related to aggression in children and young people: A brief review and steps forward. Aggression and Violent Behavior. 2024;79:102001.
Faezeh Sabri(M.A.)1, Kazem Barzegar Bafrooei(Ph.D.)2, Hossain Hassani(Ph.D.)3
1.M.A. Graduate Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
2.Corresponding Author: Associate Professor Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran. Email: k.barzegar@yazd.ac.ir Tel: 09132733908
3.Assistant Professor Curriculum Development, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Dealing with aggression in adults and adolescents is essential for creating a better society, and one of the most important steps in this regard is understanding the variables and factors that influence aggression.Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of childhood emotional maltreatment in adolescent aggression with the mediating role of emotion regulation in university students in Yazd.
Method: The research method was quantitative in terms of approach, applied in terms of purpose, and non-experimental in nature (descriptive-correlational). The statistical population consisted of humanities students at Yazd University in the academic year 2022-2023, of which 200 were selected as the sample. Non-random sampling method was used. The research tools included the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (1992), the Life Experiences Questionnaire by Gibb et al. (2001), and the Emotion Regulation Difficulties Questionnaire by Gratz and Roemer (2004), with reliability coefficients obtained through cronbach's alpha of 0/88, 0/92, and 0/90, respectively. For data analysis, structural equation modeling was employed using SPSS25 and AMOS24 software.
Rusults: The results showed that childhood emotional maltreatment significantly and directly predicts adolescent aggression (β=0/28, p<0/01), as well as emotion regulation difficulties (β=0/48, p<0/01), and that emotion regulation difficulties positively and significantly affect student aggression as a mediating variable (β=0/54, p< 0/01).
Conclusion: F The type of parental behavior towards the child, especially emotional maltreatment during childhood, can have a significant impact on adult life, as well as the tendency towards aggression and the level of individual emotion regulation.
Keywords: Adulthood, Aggression, Childhood, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Maltreatment
References
1-Golchin M, Karimi A, Rezaei A & et al. Thematic analysis of violence of married men and women against their spouses. The Women and Families Cultural-Educational. 2023;18(63):305-332. [Persian]
2-Baewja, R. Irritability and Aggression in Pediatric ADHD: Current Evidence and Treatment Options. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2024;63(10):S153-S154.
3-Puchalapalli A, Vishnoi G, Ershadi M & et al. A Retrospective Review of Episodes of Aggression in a Child and Adolescent Inpatient Population in a Community Hospital. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2024;63(10):S207.
4-Chapman R, Ebzery K, Ronken C & et al. Factors that influence therapy completion in a child sexual abuse counselling service. Children and Youth Services Review. 2025;171:108195.
5-Moullin S, Milne B. The effects of unconditional cash transfers on child abuse and neglect in early childhood: Evidence from New Zealand. Child Abuse & Neglect. 2025;161:107260.
6-Siu G, Byekwaso C, Ikwara E & et al. Gendered and transactional relationships: Children's experiences of being parented and perspectives on their relationships with their parents in Uganda. Child Protection and Practice. 2025;4:100115.
7-Farhang Esfahani M. The Role of Childhood Abuse Experience with Aggression; the Mediating Effect of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Difficulty in Regulating Emotion in Students. RJMS. 2021;28(9):204-14. [Persian]
8-Fields C, Keller P, El-Sheikh M. Associations between parent and child antisocial behavior: Aggression in family relationships as a mechanism of risk. Personality and Individual Differences. 2025;238:113077.
9-Şenkal Ertürk İ, Kahya Y, & Gör N. Childhood emotional maltreatment and aggression: The mediator role of the early maladaptive schema domains and difficulties in emotion regulation. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. 2020;29(1):92–110.
10-Pacífico A, Silva M, Piola T & et al. Bullying victimization and aggression, physical activity and sedentary behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Children and Youth Services Review. 2024;163:107743.
11-Alacha H, Lefler E, Hartung C. Disruptive behaviors and aggression. Encyclopedia of Adolescence (Second Edition). 2024;221-234.
12-Gu H, Ma P, Xia T. Childhood emotional abuse and adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury: The mediating role of identity confusion and moderating role of rumination. Child Abuse Negl. 2020;106:104474.
13-Duarte D, Belzeaux R, Etain B & et al. Childhood-maltreatment subtypes in bipolar patients with suicidal behavior: systematic review and meta-analysis. Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(5):558-567.
14-Lineback K, Baer H, Zhang Y. Independent Contributions of Callous-Unemotional Behaviors and Quantitative Autistic Traits to Aggression in Early Childhood. JAACAP Open. 2024;2(2):100-111.
15-Maleki M, Shehni yailagh M. The Relationship between Cyber Aggression and Emotion Regulation, Self-Control and Depression in Male High School Students in Ahvaz in 2021-2022: A Descriptive Study. JRUMS. 2022;21(7):741-756. [Persian]
16-Mohseni S, Barzgar M, Bezaei A. The influence of cognitive emotion regulation strategies on the causal links between early maladaptive schemas, anger rumination and aggression. Journal of Psychological Science. 2022;21(119):9. [Persian]
17-Amini S, Mardani Rad M, Kosravi Babadi A A & et al. The role of communicative covert aggression and cognitive emotion regulation in predicting marital satisfaction. IJRN. 2023;9(4):4. [Persian]
18-Oei A, Li D, Chu C & et al. Disruptive behaviors, antisocial attitudes, and aggression in young offenders: Comparison of Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) typologies. Child Abuse & Neglect. 2024;141:106191.
19-Smeijers D, Benbouriche M & Garofalo C. The association between emotion, social information processing, and aggressive behavior: A systematic review. European Psychologist. 2020;25(2):81-91.
20-Buss AH, Perry M. The aggression questionnaire. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1992;63(3):452-459.
21-Mohammadi N. Preliminary investigation of the psychometric indicators of the Aggression Questionnaire BAS-Perry. J Soc Hum Sci Shiraz Univ. 2006;25(4):135-151.
22-Najarian B, Iran D. Construction and validation of SCL-25 (short form of SCL-90-R). J Psychol. 2001;5(2):136-149.
23-Gibb BE, Benas JS, Crossett SE & et al. Emotional Maltreatment and Verbal Victimization in Childhood. Journal of Emotional Abuse. 2007;7:2,59-73.
24-Gibb BE, Alloy LB, Abramson LY & et al. History of Childhood Maltreatment, Negative Cognitive Styles, and Episodes of Depression in Adulthood. Cognitive Therapy and Research. 2001;25,425–446.
25-Gratz KL, Roemer L. Multidimensional Assessment of Emotion Regulation and Dysregulation: Development, Factor Structure, and Initial Validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment. 2004;26:41-54.
26-Azizi A, Mirzaei A, Shams J. Correlation between Distress Tolerance and Emotional Regulation With Students Smoking Dependence. Hakim. 2010;13(1):11-18. [Persian]
27-Sepehrian Azar F, Asadi Majreh S, Asadnia S & et al. The relationship between attachment and coping styles with emotion dysregulation in adolescence. Studies in Medical Sciences. 2014;25(10):922-930. [Persian]
28-Shid Anbarani B, Gol A, Farhadian F & et al. The Role of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment in Predicting Adulthood Aggression. Journal of Psychology. 2020;24(1(93)):57-74. [Persian]
29-Şenkal Ertürk İ, Kahya Y, & Gör N. Childhood emotional maltreatment and aggression: The mediator role of the early maladaptive schema domains and difficulties in emotion regulation. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. 2020;29(1):92–110.
30-Adib Rahnama F, Afshari A, Farah Bijari A. The Role of Child Maltreatment in Self-Control of Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Gender and Self-Compassion. Positive Psychology Research. 2023;9(1):47-64. [Persian]
31-Erfanifar F, Zarani F, Shokri O. Emotional maltreatment and Internalizing Disorders in Adolescent Girls: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation. Journal of Woman and Family Studies. 2018;6(1):93-108. [Persian]
32-Mirzaalian dastjerdi F. Predicting high-risk behaviors based on childhood abuse mediated by maladaptive schemas of primary school students. A new approach to children's education quarterly. 2022;4(3):76-83. [Persian]
33-Ghaffarzadeh Namazi R, Yaryari F, Hashemi Razini H. Prediction of aggression in adolescents based on the quality of interpersonal relationships and cognitive regulation of emotion strategies. Rooyesh. 2024;13(3):11-20. [Persian]
34-Amini S, Mardani Rad M, Kosravi Babadi A A & et al. The role of communicative covert aggression and cognitive emotion regulation in predicting marital satisfaction. IJRN. 2023;9(4):4. [Persian]
35-Maleki M, Shehni yailagh M. The Relationship between Cyber Aggression and Emotion Regulation, Self-Control and Depression in Male High School Students in Ahvaz in 2021-2022: A Descriptive Study. JRUMS. 2022;21(7):741-756. [Persian]
36-Smeijers D, Benbouriche M & Garofalo C. The association between emotion, social information processing, and aggressive behavior: A systematic review. European Psychologist. 2020;25(2):81-91.
37-Abousaedi Jirofti S, Marouf Sofian A, Nemati Sogolitappeh F & et al. The Mediating Role of Maladaptive Emotion Regulation in the relationship between Dark Personality Traits and Cyber Aggression. Rooyesh. 2024;13(5):57-66. [Persian]
38-Petrovic L, Baker C, Francois S & et al. Expanding the framework of childhood adversity: Structural violence and aggression in childhood. Child Protection and Practice. 2025;4:100092.
39-Gorji M, Salehi S. The Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Predicting Resilience. Socialworkmag. 2020;8(4):52-60. [Persian]
40-Baskin-Sommers A, Viding E, Barber M & et al. Advancing the science of biosocial transactions related to aggression in children and young people: A brief review and steps forward. Aggression and Violent Behavior. 2024;79:102001.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychology
Received: 2024/07/23 | Accepted: 2024/12/11 | Published: 2025/02/28
Received: 2024/07/23 | Accepted: 2024/12/11 | Published: 2025/02/28
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