Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
12-1-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Michiyo Hirai
Second Advisor
Ruby Charak
Third Advisor
Liza Talavera-Garza
Abstract
Depression and posttraumatic stress are two psychological consequences commonly reported by adults exposed to adverse childhood experiences. High prevalence of childhood adversities in the United States is a significant concern. Despite this, the specific causal mechanisms connecting childhood adversity to adult psychopathology remain undiscovered and require further research. This research aimed to determine whether perceived social support, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression, two alternate forms of emotion regulation, would independently mediate the link between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathology in adulthood among a sample of U.S. Hispanic students. A total of 814 undergraduate students completed an anonymous online battery of questionnaires. The study found that the associations between childhood adversity and the psychological outcomes of depression and post-traumatic stress are partially mediated by perceived social support and cognitive reappraisal. These findings highlight the necessity for good perceived social support in reducing the likelihood of negative psychological outcomes in victims of adverse childhood experiences. Results further demonstrated the value of cognitive reappraisal as an adaptive antecedent emotion regulation strategy for survivors of adverse childhood experiences, in lessening the negative psychological outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Luna Jr., Josue David, "The Association Between Childhood Trauma and Adulthood Depression and Posttraumatic Symptoms. Mediated through Emotion Regulation and Perceived Social Support." (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1651.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1651
Comments
Copyright 2024 Josue David Luna Jr. https://www.proquest.com/docview/3153405559