The Mediating Role of Perceived Parenting Styles in the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Aggressive Behaviour Among Undergraduate Students
Abstract
This study examined the mediating role of perceived parenting styles in the relationship between childhood trauma and aggressive behaviour among undergraduate students. A total of 197 students (124 females, 73 males), aged 17–25 years (M = 20.65, SD = 2.15), were recruited from Enugu State University of Science and Technology using a multi-stage sampling procedure that combined cluster, simple random, and purposive techniques. Data were collected using Baumrind’s (1971) Parental Care Scale, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (Felitti et al., 1998), and the Aggressive Behaviour Scale (Orpinas, 2001). A correlational design was employed, and mediated multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS macro in SPSS version 27. Results showed that childhood trauma did not significantly predict authoritarian (b = .11, p = .25) or permissive parenting styles (b = .01, p = .93). Trauma demonstrated only a marginal negative effect on authoritative style (b = –.15, p = .081), suggesting that higher trauma exposure may reduce authoritative tendencies. Age consistently predicted authoritarian (b = .29, p = .006) and authoritative styles (b = .21, p = .022), while gender was not significant. Trauma did not significantly predict aggressive behaviour (b = .58, p = .544), and none of the parenting styles were significant predictors of aggression (authoritarian b = –.31, p = .846; permissive b = .91, p = .527; authoritative b = –.81, p = .671). The overall model explained only 9% of the variance in aggression (R² = .09, F(6,37) = .64, p = .695). Indirect effects of trauma on aggression through parenting styles were non-significant (β = .017, CI = –.79, .96). These findings suggest that perceived parenting styles do not mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and aggression in undergraduates. Instead, age emerged as the most consistent predictor, highlighting the importance of developmental context. Future research should explore alternative mediators such as emotional regulation, resilience, and peer influences.