Maus-tratos na infância e adolescência: associações com dificuldades de regulação emocional na vida adulta e o papel do suporte social

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the association between a history of direct and indirect interpersonal violence in childhood and adolescence and difficulties in emotional regulation in adulthood, evaluating the role of perceived social support as a mediator and moderator of this relationship. Theoretically, a comprehensive bioecological model of human development was considered, a review of the consequences of maltreatment in different domains was conducted, and theoretical models of emotional regulation were examined. The empirical stage of the research is quantitative in nature, with a cross-sectional and retrospective design, and was subject to approval by the Ethics Committee of the Walter Cantídio University Hospital. A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 222 participants over 18 years of age was used, who answered online the Emotional Regulation Difficulties Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure Scale, in addition to a biosociodemographic questionnaire. Using the RStudio software, scale accuracy indicators were calculated, and descriptive analyses, correlation analyses, linear and logistic regressions were performed. A latent class analysis was conducted to identify distinct response profiles regarding the history of maltreatment. 91% of the sample reported experiencing at least one type of violence, with direct physical and verbal violence being the most prevalent, and showing high co-occurrence among themselves. The quantity, severity, and chronicity of exposure showed significant positive correlations with difficulties in emotional regulation, while the set of experiences of direct violence was a significant predictor of this outcome. Perceived social support altered the relationship between these variables both indirectly (mediation) and directly (moderation), with specificities for the sources of support (family, friends, and other significant people). Two distinct profiles emerged from the latent class analysis: Low victimization and High victimization, indicating possible advantages in classifying the history of maltreatment based on the intensity of exposure. Despite its limitations, the study can contribute to understanding the long-term consequences of maltreatment in childhood and adolescence, particularly regarding the perception of social support from different sources and the functioning of emotional regulation. This research was linked to the Psychosocial Processes and Social Vulnerabilities line of research, which brings together studies from different theoretical and methodological perspectives in Social Psychology concerning situations of social vulnerability and associated psychosocial processes. In this context, the results produced may support prevention and care strategies for people victimized by maltreatment, carried out by mental health professionals, particularly psychologists.