The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Interpersonal Connection Among University Students

The current study examined childhood trauma, mindfulness, and interpersonal outcomes of attachment anxiety (fear of rejection in close relationships) and horizontal collectivism (HC; valuing equality and group harmony) using a diverse sample of university students. The 84 study participants completed the Early Trauma Inventory Short Form Revised, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships Scale - Revised, and the Cultural Orientation Scale. In accordance with prior findings, mindfulness significantly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment anxiety (B = .06, [.03, .10]), highlighting the effects of childhood trauma on a process of mistrust in close relationships. While mindfulness did not mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and HC, the results indicated that acting with awareness, which is an aspect of mindfulness, significantly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and HC (B = -.14, [-.28, -.03]). These novel findings indicate how childhood trauma and its subsequent impact on mindfulness not only affects a student's functioning within their close relationships but also has effects on their larger cultural values. In particular, the findings from the current study suggest that childhood trauma may decrease a student's interdependence within their university community, which is crucial for their psychological and academic success.