A preliminary examination of the relationship between specific adverse childhood experiences and perpetration of hate-motivated behaviours.

BACKGROUND: Hate-motivated behaviour (HMB) is a growing public health issue. These behaviours can range from hate crimes to microaggressions and have been associated with wide-ranging consequences. AIMS: The current study aimed to explore the relationship between specific adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and HMB perpetration. METHODS: Participants (n = 447) completed an online cross-sectional survey assessing demographic factors, ACEs and HMB perpetration. RESULTS: Individuals who experienced ACEs were more likely to report engaging in HMB than those who did not experience negative life events during childhood. Abuse, neglect and living with a family member with substance abuse and/or mental health issues were all associated with HMB perpetration. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a more nuanced understanding of the link between experiences during childhood and HMB later in life, by highlighting that specific ACEs were more strongly associated with engaging in these behaviours. Future research should seek to replicate these findings and examine the mechanisms underpinning these relationships.