Children who experience child maltreatment are at higher risk for the development of mental health problems and problems when dealing with stressful situations, where emotion regulation is an...Show moreChildren who experience child maltreatment are at higher risk for the development of mental health problems and problems when dealing with stressful situations, where emotion regulation is an important mechanism. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between four types of childhood maltreatment and maladaptive emotion regulation. The sample consisted of 63 adolescents and young adults (Mage = 18.31, range 13-26). Several questionnaires were used to identify the adolescents' experienced child abuse and their maladaptive emotion regulation. Results showed a significant positive correlation between all types of maltreatment. Multiple regression analyses controlling for age and gender showed no significant relationship between any of the types of childhood maltreatment and emotion regulation. Thus, in contrast to the hypothesis experienced childhood maltreatment was not a predictor for maladaptieve emotion regulation. In conclusion, this study shows that the different types of childhood maltreatment are interrelated but do not uniquely predict emotion regulation. Future research can use this study as a starting point for more research into the unique effects of child maltreatment on maladaptive emotion regulation.Show less
