Catarina Gomes Coelho, Luíza Cerri, Jorge Leite, Paulo P P Machado, Sandra Carvalho
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
While early life trauma (ELT) is known to contribute to poor physical and psychological health in adulthood, not all individuals exposed to ELT develop mental illness. This suggests the presence of potential mediating factors that influence this relationship. This study examines the mediating effects of self-efficacy and attachment styles on the relationship between ELT and negative emotional states (NEs) in a large cohort of people in Portugal. A total of 936 participants completed standardized psychological assessments via an online survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analysis were employed to examine the relationships among ELT, self-efficacy, attachment styles, and NEs. The findings indicated a strong correlation between ELT and diminished self-efficacy, as well as elevated levels of anxious and avoidant attachment patterns. These factors mediated the link between ELT and adverse emotional states. The results underscore the significant function of self-efficacy and attachment patterns as primary mediators in the emotional outcomes of ELT. Addressing these aspects via trauma-informed therapies may alleviate the psychological cost of ELT. Future longitudinal research are necessary to establish causal relationships and further examine these pathways.
Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-025-00812-z.
期刊介绍：
Underpinned by a biopsychosocial approach, the Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma presents original research and prevention and treatment strategies for understanding and dealing with symptoms and disorders related to the psychological effects of trauma experienced by children and adolescents during childhood and where the impact of these experiences continues into adulthood. The journal also examines intervention models directed toward the individual, family, and community, new theoretical models and approaches, and public policy proposals and innovations. In addition, the journal promotes rigorous investigation and debate on the human capacity for agency, resilience and longer-term healing in the face of child and adolescent trauma. With a multidisciplinary approach that draws input from the psychological, medical, social work, sociological, public health, legal and education fields, the journal features research, intervention approaches and evidence-based programs, theoretical articles, specific review articles, brief reports and case studies, and commentaries on current and/or controversial topics. The journal also encourages submissions from less heard voices, for example in terms of geography, minority status or service user perspectives.
Among the topics examined in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma:
The effects of childhood maltreatment
Loss, natural disasters, and political conflict
Exposure to or victimization from family or community violence
Racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation or class discrimination
Physical injury, diseases, and painful or debilitating medical treatments
The impact of poverty, social deprivation and inequality
Barriers and facilitators on pathways to recovery
The Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma is an important resource for practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and academics whose work is centered on children exposed to traumatic events and adults exposed to traumatic events as children.
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