Impulsive behavior as a mediator between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders

Abstract

Background: Impulsive behavior plays an important role in mediating the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders, considering the mediating role of impulsive behavior. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a statistical population, including all students of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. A total of 316 students were selected randomly and completed the Inventory of depression and anxiety symptoms (IDAS), Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The collected data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 and LISREL. Results: The correlation coefficient showed a significant relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders, and the structural equation model exhibited a good fit to the data (GFI = 0.9, AGFI = 0.86, CFI = 0.99, and RMSEA = 0.07). Conclusions: The results showed that impulsive behavior played an important role in mediating the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders.