ACEs, Aggression and Self-Harm: The Role of Emotion Dysregulation FV1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aggression and Self-Harm amongst Forensic Inpatients: The Role of Emotion Dysregulation
IRAS ID
314400
Contact name
John Tully
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Previous studies have found positive associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and aggression and self-harm. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) that underlie these relationships, particularly amongst forensic inpatients, an understudied population who typically experience higher levels of childhood adversity, compared to the general population. The current study will explore the relationships between ACEs, emotion dysregulation, aggression, and self harm, amongst forensic inpatients. It will also explore whether emotion dysregulation mediates the relationship between ACES, aggression and self-harm. Gaining greater insight into the mechanisms that underlie the relationships between ACES, aggression and self-harm, has important implications in terms of risk assessment, formulation, and treatment. The study will adopt a cross-sectional design. To take part, participants must be 18-years-old and over, be able to speak and read English, and be a patient in a medium or low secure forensic inpatient unit within Essex Partnership University Trust. They must have capacity to give informed consent and be deemed stable enough in mental state to take part. Participants who have a diagnosed learning disability will not be eligible to take part. Participants who are actively psychotic, suicidal, or who have self-harmed in the previous two weeks will also not be eligible to take part. Participants will be required to complete four questionnaires; the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI). It is expected that completion of the four questionnaires will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
22/WA/0235
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion