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The relationship between mistrust and aggression from childhood to adulthood
Ken J Rotenberg1, António Castro Fonseca2
1School of Psychology, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK.
Aggressive Behavior
|November 8, 2023
Summary
Mistrust in preadolescence is linked to aggression throughout life. This study shows early mistrust predicts later aggressive behaviors in individuals.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Aggression Research
Background:
- Childhood mistrust can have long-term effects on behavior.
- Understanding the developmental trajectory of aggression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal relationship between mistrust and aggression from childhood to adulthood.
- To determine if preadolescent mistrust predicts later aggression.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 445 participants in Portugal, assessed from middle childhood to adulthood.
- Mothers reported on child mistrust using the Child Behavior Checklist.
- Aggression was measured using standardized self-report measures at multiple age points.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between mistrust and aggression during preadolescence.
- Preadolescent mistrust predicted changes in aggression into mid-adolescence and adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Mistrust during preadolescence is a significant predictor of aggressive behavior later in life.
- Early intervention for mistrust may help mitigate future aggression.
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