Tracing the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Emotional Regulation and Substance Use among French Prisoners and the General Population

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long-term impacts. This study explores the association between ACEs, emotional regulation difficulties (ERD), and substance use (SU); the differences between the general and prison populations regarding ACEs, ERD, and SU; and the predictors of ERD and SU. The sample comprises 203 participants (143 French general population and 60 French prisoners). Participants from the general population reported higher bullying victimization, while prisoners showed higher ACEs. Age, education level, growing up with an incarcerated household member, and SU are predictors of ERD. Sex, the presence of a partner, community and collective violence, and difficulty in adopting goal-oriented behavior are predictors of SU. This study highlights the need for early interventions to reduce ERD, SU, and criminal trajectories.