ROLE OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIOLENT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

Abstract

This study looks at emotional dysregulation as a possible mediating factor in the relationship between violent criminal behavior and childhood trauma. To investigate these relationships, I used a quantitative, cross-sectional design that was based on theories of attachment, developmental psychopathology, and social learning. I employed the Buss– Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF) to gather data from 150 Pakistani university students. The descriptive statistics showed moderate to high levels of aggression, emotional dysregulation, and trauma. All three variables showed strong positive relationships, according to Pearson correlation analysis. Childhood trauma is a significant predictor of aggression, according to regression analysis (B= 0.63, p< 0.01). Furthermore, it was shown that emotional dysregulation significantly mediates this relationship through mediation analysis. The results imply that one important psychological mechanism through which negative childhood experiences materialize as aggressive behavior is emotional dysregulation (β= 0.20, p< 0.01). These findings highlight the necessity of focused emotional regulation therapies and trauma-informed mental health approaches, especially for young people.To break the intergenerational cycle of violence, early psychological support and preventative care are crucial, and the implications cut across healthcare, education, and policy.

Keywords: Childhood Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation, Aggression, Violent Criminal Behavior, Attachment Theory