Childhood Abuse and Trauma and the Depressive Symptoms of Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model

Abstract

Researchers have increasingly worked to identify relevant ecological factors that can help prevent the development of depressive symptoms among adolescents. However, the underlying mechanisms of these factors are not fully understood. In this study, the effect of childhood abuse and trauma on the depressive symptoms of Chinese adolescents and its underlying mechanisms were examined, in terms of the mediating role of hopelessness and the moderating role of social problem-solving abilities. A sample of 786 college students participated in this study. The results showed that adolescents who were abused and traumatized as children had higher levels of depressive symptoms than others; furthermore, this relationship was mediated by hopelessness, while the path between hopelessness and depressive symptoms was moderated by their social problem-solving abilities. The results extend the findings of previous studies by revealing the underlying mechanisms between childhood abuse and trauma and Chinese adolescents’ depressive symptoms. The study has important implications for social work services regarding adolescents who have experienced childhood abuse and trauma.