Examining adverse childhood experiences & attachment style as predictors of sexual violence

This thesis examined adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and attachment style as predictors of sexual violence across convicted and community samples. Study 1 investigated whether child abuse, abuse characteristics, and attachment style predicted sexual recidivism among 772 men convicted of sexual offences over an average follow-up of 15.8 years. None of these variables significantly predicted sexual recidivism. Study 2 examined whether ACEs, child abuse, and attachment style predicted self-reported sexual violence perpetration in a community sample of 731 men. Higher ACE scores and experiences of child abuse significantly increased the likelihood of perpetration. Study 3 compared childhood adversity and attachment style across convicted men, community men who reported sexual violence perpetration, and those who did not. Significant differences in childhood adversity were observed across groups, whereas attachment style did not differ. Overall, findings suggest childhood adversity may be more strongly associated with the onset of sexual violence than with sexual recidivism, highlighting the importance of prevention-focused, trauma-informed approaches addressing early developmental risk factors.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Forensic Psychology

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Nasim, Mariya K.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Harkins, Leigh

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/2092

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/2092