Childhood Trauma Experiences and Influencing Factors in Individuals with Mental Disorders

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to examine the prevalence of childhood trauma experiences in individuals with mental disorders and the relationship of these experiences with demographic and clinical characteristics.Material and Method: The study was conducted with 496 individuals who applied to the psychiatry outpatient clinic of a city hospital. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). Data analysis was performed using independent samples t-test (two groups) and one-way ANOVA with SPSS 23.0.Results: Analysis of participants’ adverse experiences suggests that although childhood physical abuse declines with age, it remains more prevalent among single individuals, those who are employed, residents of rural areas, individuals reporting alcohol use, and those with poor sleep quality. Higher levels of childhood emotional abuse were observed among female patients, university graduates, and individuals diagnosed with depression. In addition, childhood physical and emotional neglect were more common among university-educated patients, those living with their families, individuals with a diagnosis of depression, those reporting tobacco and alcohol use, and individuals with a history of suicide attempts. However, emotional neglect scores were lower among participants with poorer economic status compared to other groups.Conclusion: Childhood trauma is prevalent among individuals with psychiatric disorders and shows variation across demographic and clinical characteristics.