Childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Childhood trauma is a known risk factor for various psychiatric disorders.
• The specific link between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between childhood trauma, personality traits, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in a college student population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Leyton Obsessional Inventory, and NEO Personality Inventory-Revised.
• Assessed 938 college students for childhood trauma experiences and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
• Analyzed associations, considering co-occurring anxiety symptoms and personality facets.

Main Results:

• 13-30% of students reported childhood trauma, with emotional neglect being most common.
• Obsessive-compulsive symptoms showed a significant association with emotional abuse and physical neglect, partly mediated by anxiety.
• Emotional abuse and physical abuse independently predicted high obsessive-compulsive symptoms, even with anxiety controlled.

Conclusions:

• Childhood trauma, especially emotional and physical abuse, is associated with increased obsessive-compulsive symptoms in college students.
• Anxiety symptoms play a role in mediating this relationship.
• Personality traits like conscientiousness may indirectly link trauma to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, suggesting complex developmental pathways.