Associations between trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and aggression perpetrated by women. A meta‐analysis

Previous research has indicated a link between trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and aggression. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to integrate previous findings with a focus on women. Six databases were searched for peer‐reviewed articles. Random‐effects models and meta‐regressions were calculated. K = 15 studies were included, indicating small to medium effects (Cohen's d = 0.44 for traumatic events and d = 0.60 for PTSD). For traumatic events, timing effects were found. Methodological differences in types of summary statistics used in the studies yielded significant results. These findings provide further evidence for important associations between traumatic stress and the risk of aggression in women. Considering the devastating impact that this violence can have on an entire community, early interventions are key