The impact of childhood abuse on adult self-esteem and emotional regulation

Introduction The occurrence of traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to a disruption the development secure internal representations, with negative impact on self-esteem [1 Liu C, Chen X, Song P, et al. Relationship between emotional abuse and self-esteem: dual mediation model attachment. Soc Behav Pers. 2018;46(5):793–800.[Crossref], [Web Science ®] , [Google Scholar]]. In addition, child victimisation may compromise their regulation skills [2 Bretherton I, Mulholland KA. Internal working models attachment relationships: elaborating central construct theory. In: Cassidy J, Shaver PR, editors. Handbook attachment: theory, research clinical applications. 2nd ed. New York: Guildford Press; 2008. p. 102–127. Scholar]] it has been shown that individuals lower have less [3 Garofalo Holden CJ, Zeigler‐Hill V, Understanding connection self‐esteem aggression: mediating role emotion dysregulation. Aggr Behav. 2016;42(1):3–15.[Crossref], [PubMed], Studies adults showed those who suffered several types during tend worse interpersonal relationships [4 Pepin EN, Banyard VL. Social support: mediator maltreatment developmental outcomes. J Youth Adolescence. 2006;35(4):612–625.[Crossref], This main goals, identify relationship adult regulation, regulation. is first study Portuguese sample integrates variables.Materials methods design descriptive, observational, cross-sectional. was composed 96 (over 18 years old) (M = 27.95 years, SD 11.60). participants answered online sociodemographic questionnaire, versions Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) [5 Dias A, Sales L, Carvalho Estudo de propriedades psicométricas do questionário trauma infância – Versão breve numa amostra portuguesa não clínica. Laboratório Psicologia. 2013;11(2):103–120. Scholar]], Difficulties Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) [6 Coutinho Ribeiro E, Ferreirinha R, da escala dificuldades regulação emocional e sua relação com sintomas psicopatológicos. Rev Psiquiatr Clín. 2010;37(4):145–151.[Crossref] Rosenberg Self-Esteem (RSES) [7 Santos PJ, Maia J. Análise factorial confirmatória validação preliminar uma versão auto-estima Rosenberg. Psicologia: Teoria, Investigação Prática. 2003;8(2):253–268. link disclosed by e-mail social networks. conducted accordance all ethical principles.Results We found significant statistical positive correlations total score CTQ DERS (r 0.422, p<.001) sub-scales DERS: not acceptance responses 0.311, p=.002), difficulties engaging goal-directed behaviour 0.243, p=.017), impulse control 0.431, p<.001)), limited access strategies 0.465, p<.001), lack clarity 0.209, p=.041). Furthermore, we observed RSES (r=–0.319, (r=–0.561, (r=–0.413, (r=–0.336, p=.001), (r=–0.373, (r=–0.508, −0.542, p<.001).Discussion conclusions our study, were associated adults, which corroborated other studies Additionally, victimised perception life. also proves need develop psychological intervention aiming enhance adaptative adulthood. highlights importance developing programs children, reduce