Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widespread within the United States. More than half of the population has experienced at least one adverse event during their youth. Such experiences range from parental divorce to sexual assault. Past research has shown that adverse experiences during the formative years play a major role in the development of multiple physical and mental health issues. The current study aimed to explore the interplay among ACEs and two of these covariates: aggression and substance use. Moreover, the proposed study further investigated the development of substance use in emotionally dysregulated individuals with past adverse experiences. In doing so, the associations among ACEs, aggression, and substance use may be better understood in young adults, specifically college students. Correlation and partial correlation analyses were performed. Results showed positive correlations between ACEs and aggression; aggression and alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use; and ACEs and cannabis use. Tobacco and alcohol use were not significantly correlated with ACEs. When controlling for anger, cannabis still showed significant positive correlations with ACEs; however, that number decreased slightly. These results could aid in future research to determine other confounding variables at play, as well as further development of treatment of substance abuse through targeted trauma-informed care and anger management.

Year manuscript completed

2025

Year degree awarded

2025

Author's Keywords

adverse childhood experiences, emotional dysregulation, aggression, substance use

Degree Awarded

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

College/School

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Committee Chair

Amanda Joyce

Committee Member

Esther Malm

Committee Member

Michael Bordieri

Committee Member

Randall Joyce

Document Type

Thesis

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