Impact of Childhood Trauma on Self-Esteem Among Young Adults: The Role of Emotional Regulation as a Mediator

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between childhood trauma and self-esteem, with emotional regulation as a mediator in the cultural context of Pakistan. The study employed a cross-sectional correlational design and a non-probability purposive sampling technique to collect data from Pakistani young adults between the aged 18 to 30 with at least an intermediate qualification. Three instruments were administered: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The findings demonstrated that childhood trauma was significantly negatively correlated with emotional regulation and self-esteem. Moreover, emotional regulation was significantly positively correlated with self-esteem. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that emotional regulation significantly mediated the negative relationship between childhood trauma and self-esteem. The findings advance understanding of the relationship between childhood trauma and self-esteem by highlighting the mediating role of emotional regulation and provide support for trauma-focused interventions.