The impact of childhood abuse on adult self-esteem and emotional regulation

Abstract

Introduction The occurrence of traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to a disruption in the development of secure internal representations, with a negative impact on self-esteem [1]. In addition, child victimisation may compromise their emotional regulation skills [2] and it has been shown that individuals with lower self-esteem have less emotional regulation skills [3]. Studies with adults showed that those who suffered several types of abuse during childhood tend to have worse interpersonal relationships [4]. This research has the main goals, to identify the relationship between the impact of childhood abuse on adult self-esteem and emotional regulation, and the relationship between self-esteem and emotional regulation. This is the first study in a Portuguese sample that integrates those variables. Materials and methods The study design is descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional. The sample was composed of 96 Portuguese adults (over 18 years old) (M = 27.95 years, SD = 11.60). The participants answered online to a sociodemographic questionnaire, Portuguese versions of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) [5], the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) [6], and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) [7]. The link to the study was disclosed by e-mail and in social networks. The study was conducted in accordance with all the ethical principles. Results We found significant statistical positive correlations between the total score of the CTQ and the total score of the DERS (r = 0.422, p<.001) and the sub-scales of DERS: the not acceptance of emotional responses (r = 0.311, p=.002), difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviour (r = 0.243, p=.017), impulse control difficulties (r = 0.431, p<.001)), limited access to emotion regulation strategies (r = 0.465, p<.001), and lack of emotional clarity (r = 0.209, p=.041). Furthermore, we observed statistical negative correlations between the total score of RSES and the total score of the CTQ (r=–0.319, p=.002), the total score of the DERS (r=–0.561, p<.001) and the sub-scales of DERS: the not acceptance of emotional responses (r=–0.413, p<.001), difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviour (r=–0.336, p=.001), impulse control difficulties (r=–0.373, p<.001), limited access to emotion regulation strategies (r=–0.508, p<.001), and lack of emotional clarity (r = −0.542, p<.001). Discussion and conclusions In our study, traumatic experiences in childhood were associated with emotional regulation difficulties in adults, which is corroborated by other studies [2]. Additionally, we found that individuals who were victimised in childhood tend to have a perception of lower self-esteem in adult life. The relationship between child abuse and self-esteem and also between child abuse and the emotional regulation difficulties proves the need to develop psychological intervention aiming to enhance the positive self-esteem and the adaptative emotional skills in adulthood. This research highlights the importance of developing intervention programs in victimised children, to reduce the impact of victimisation on self-esteem and emotional regulation.