The mediating role of mentalization in the relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and hostile behavior in adults

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MA in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Boushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Boushehr, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran

Abstract

Abstract



Background: The traumatic experiences of childhood play a significant role in the development of unhealthy behaviors in adulthood. Identifying the underlying mechanisms in the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and hostile behaviors is of paramount importance. Additionally, this study aimed to explore the mediating role of mentalization in the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and hostile behaviors in adults.



Methods: The present study was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the study included all employees of the Iranian Oil Terminals Company in 2024. A total of 280 participants were selected through convenience sampling and completed the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM).



Findings: According to the findings, the proposed model exhibited a good fit. In line with the findings, childhood traumatic experiences had a direct, significant positive effect on hostile behaviors (β = 0.57). Additionally, it had a significant negative effect on mentalization (β = -0.58). Another finding indicated that mentalization had a significant negative effect on hostile behaviors (β = -0.34) with p<0.05. Moreover, another finding revealed that mentalization served as a mediator between childhood traumatic experiences and hostile behaviors (β = 0.20).



Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings suggest that childhood traumatic experiences exert a direct influence on adult hostile behaviors, with mentalization functioning as a significant mediating variable.

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Journal of Clinical Psychology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 September 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 29 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 August 2025

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