The mediating role of attachment and anger: exploring the impact of maternal early-life maltreatment on child abuse potential.

ABSTRACT: Maternal early-life maltreatment (ELM) increases the risk of subsequent child maltreatment, but the underlying mechanisms of these intergenerational effects remain largely unknown. Identifying these mechanisms is crucial for developing preventive interventions that can break the cycle of abuse. Notably, previous research has shown that ELM often results in attachment insecurity and altered anger characteristics. Therefore, this study determines whether these characteristics mediate the relationship between maternal history of ELM and child abuse potential. The study sample included 254 mothers, of whom 149 had experienced ELM to at least a moderate degree. Maternal ELM was assessed using the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse (CECA) interview. Attachment insecurity, trait anger and ang

SUBMITTER: Wuebken K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10641504 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature