Impulsive Behavior as a Mediator Between Childhood Maltreatment and Emotional Disorders

Background: Impulsive behavior plays an important role in mediating the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders, considering the mediating role of impulsive behavior. Methods: This descriptive crosssectional study was conducted on a statistical population, including all students of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. A total of 316 students were selected randomly and completed the Inventory of depression and anxiety symptoms (IDAS), Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPSP), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The collected data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 and LISREL. Results: The correlation coefficient showed a significant relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders, and the structural equation model exhibited a good fit to the data (GFI = 0.9, AGFI = 0.86, CFI = 0.99, and RMSEA = 0.07). Conclusions: The results showed that impulsive behavior played an important role in mediating the relationship between childhood maltreatment and emotional disorders.