Complex Trauma, Mentalization, Emerging Borderline Personality Features, and Aggressive Behavior in School-Aged Children in Child and Youth Protection Centre

Abstract

Children who have experienced complex traumas placed in Child and Youth Protection Center (CYPC) exhibit more aggressive behavior. Several intrapsychic factors like mentalizing capacity and emerging borderline personality features (EBPF) may be associated with this tendency. This study aims to explore the links between mentalizing capacity, the intensity of EBPF, and the occurrence of aggressive behavior. It also aims to compare children who have experienced complex trauma with those from the general population regarding these variables. Moreover, the study intends. Thirty-seven children in CYPC who have experienced complex trauma and 40 children from the general population, aged 7 to 12, participated in the research. A semi-structured interview was administered to measure mentalizing capacity, and a questionnaire was used to assess EBPF. The adult responsible for the child completed a questionnaire evaluating aggressive behavior. Mean comparisons indicate significantly lower mentalizing capacity, higher levels of EBPF and aggressive behavior among children in CYPC. Lower mentalizing capacity is associated with increased EBPF and aggressive behavior. Regression analyses indicate that mentalizing capacity and EBPF are significantly associated with aggressive behavior in children. Mentalizing capacity and EBPF may contribute to understanding aggressive behavior among children who have experienced complex trauma.