Childhood matters: How benevolent and adverse childhood experiences shape alexithymia in perpetrators of sex crimes and the community sample

Background: Benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence individuals' emotional and behavioral development. ACEs can lead to alexithymia, increasing the risk of sexual offending. Objectives: To analyze the link between ACEs, BCEs, and alexithymia; compare perpetrators of sex crimes with community participants regarding ACEs, BCEs, and alexithymia; and assess the predictors of alexithymia. Participants: A sample of 732 adult males (523 from the community and 209 perpetrators of sex crimes) was used. Method: Application of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs), the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale (BCEs), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Results: We identified positive correlations between ACEs and TAS, and negative correlations between BCEs and TAS in both samples. Perpetrators of sex crimes show higher levels of ACEs, TAS, difficulty identifying feelings (DIF), and difficulty describing feelings (DDF) compared to the community sample. ACEs and BCEs are predictors of DIF and DDF in both samples. Conclusion: The results highlight the significant influence of ACEs and BCEs on alexithymia and the differences between community individuals and perpetrators of sex crimes. It underscores the need for interventions to boost BCEs and reduce ACEs, alexithymia, and criminal behavior.