Childhood trauma and its relationship with suicide probability and Self‐Esteem: A case study in a university in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate to what extent childhood trauma affects suicide probability and self‐esteem of university students. Design and Methods In this descriptive study, 3602 university students continuing their education in the 2019–2020 academic year were selected into the sample. The data in the study were collected using a personal information form, “Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)”, “Suicide Probability Scale (SPS)” and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES). The data were evaluated using appropriate statistical methods, and p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Findings In the study, students' mean scale scores of CTQ and SPS were found high (38.1 ± 13.7; 87.7 ± 10.7, respectively), and the RSES total mean scale score was found average (1.7 ± 1.4). CTQ total mean score was found to show a positive correlation between SPS and RSES total mean scores. It has been established that the past traumatic experiences of university students decrease self‐esteem and are associated with suicide probability. Practice Implications Risk management programs for university students should be organized by determining the risk groups exposed to Childhood Trauma by psychiatric and child nurses.

The role of self-esteem and emotion regulation in the associations between childhood trauma and mental health in adulthood: a moderated mediation model

“…Our results are consistent with past research showing that university students with traumatic experiences have lower total SES scores [11,58]. In addition, as a state of being self-satisfied without considering oneself inferior or superior, a decline in SE may induce mental health problems [58]. A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies covering 77 studies on depression and 18 on anxiety symptoms confirmed the negative effect of SE on depression and anxiety symptoms levels [59].…”

“…In other words, abused children are less likely to perceive themselves as valuable and important and have less ability to deal with emotional problems compared to those who do not experience abuse [56,57]. Our results are consistent with past research showing that university students with traumatic experiences have lower total SES scores [11,58]. In addition, as a state of being self-satisfied without considering oneself inferior or superior, a decline in SE may induce mental health problems [58].…”