Examination of the relationship between antisocial behavior psychopatic tendencies and childhood mental trauma experiences in the adult male offenders convicted of physical and sexual violence

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between antisocial behavior, psychopathic tendencies and adverse childhood experiences of abuse and neglect among adult male convicts between the ages of 18 to 45 who are condemned for sexual and physical violence offenses. Additionally, the study investigates whether these variables differ based on certain socio-demographic characteristics and the type of crimes (sexual vs. physical violence), as well as childhood psychological trauma experiences predict psychopathy and antisocial behavior scores. A total of 266 male convicts participated in the study voluntarily, including 113 convicted of physical violence and 153 of sexual violence. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, Antisocial Behavior Scale, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy and the Childhood Spiritual Trauma Scale. The data were analyzed using Independent Samples t-Test, ANOVA and Tukey-B (Post Hoc) Test to identify group differences. Pearson Correlation Analysis was employed to asses linear relationships between total and subscale scores, while Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used to determine predictive relationships and modeling. In the research, it was observed that participants convicted of sexual violence reported significantly higher scores on sexual abuse, emotinal abuse and physical neglect compared to those convicted of physical violence. In this regard, it was found that those convicted of sexual violence had experienced higher levels of sexual abuse. Moreover, childhood trauma subdimensions, antisocial behavior and psychopathy scores significantly varied according to certain socio- demographic variables. Significant correlations were observed between the subdimensions of childhood trauma and total scores of antisocial behavior and psychopathy. It was also observed that physical neglect predicted both antisocial behavior and psychopathy scores, while antisocial behavior scores predicted psychopathy scores. The findings were discussed in the light of relevant literature. Anahtar kelimeler: Childhood Trauma, Antisocial Behavior, Psychopathic Tendencies, Physical Violence, Sexual Violence