Anxiety and Aggression Among College Students With High-Risk Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Role of Bullying Perpetration

Abstract

This study examines the potential associations between anxiety and aggressive behaviors in college students with high-risk adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and explores how this relationship may be influenced by bullying perpetration, applying general strain theory. A sample of 282 college students aged 19 to 29 (Mage = 21.59, SDage = 2.48; 74.5% female; 66.3% White) was analyzed. Results indicated a positive association between anxiety and aggressive behaviors among college students with high-risk ACEs. Higher levels of anxiety were linked to increased bullying perpetration, which, in turn, was associated with greater aggressive behaviors. These findings suggest that college students with high-risk ACEs who experience negative emotions, such as anxiety, are more likely to engage in bullying perpetration, which subsequently contributes to higher levels of aggressive behaviors. To mitigate the consequences of delinquency (e.g., bullying perpetration and aggressive behaviors), ongoing attention and intervention from school personnel, social workers, human service professionals, community leaders, and policymakers are essential to supporting and protecting students with high-risk ACEs.

Department(s)

School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Science

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1002/bsl.70057

Keywords

aggressive behaviors, anxiety, bullying perpetration, college students with high-risk ACEs

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Journal Title

Behavioral Sciences and the Law

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