Correlation of the frequency of childhood trauma with depression and anxiety in midwifery students

Abstract

AimThis study aims to analyze the frequency of childhood traumatic events and its correlation with depression and anxiety cases among midwifery stu-dents.MethodThe study was based on student self-reports concerning abuse and negligence experiences during their childhood and ad-olescence, evaluated using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The correlation with depression and anxiety was assessed using the Beck Depres-sion Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory.ResultsThe average scores of emotional neglect and physical neglect were 9.0±3.9 and 7.1±2.5 respec-tively. The average scores of emotional abuse and sexual abuse were 7.1±2.8 and 5.9±2.2 respectively. The average score of physical abuse was 5.4±1.4. The CTQ total points were significantly associated with depression and anxi-ety.ConclusionChildhood psychological traumas and emotional abuse may lead to the development of dysfunctional attitudes, causing individuals to be prone to depression and anxiety. Emotional abuse, which is one of the most common traumas in childhood, is a type of trauma that should not be ignored and that should be handled properly in clinical practice. Early traumas may be linked to psychological and behavioural problems in adult life.

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