Childhood Psychological Abuse Research Articles

The relationship between childhood psychological abuse and depression in college students: internet addiction as mediator, different dimensions of alexithymia as moderator.

Childhood psychological abuse (CPA) is highly associated with depression among college students. However, the underlying mechanisms between these variables need further exploration. This study aims to investigate internet addiction as a mediating factor and alexithymia and its different dimensions as moderating factors, to further complement the psychological mechanisms between CPA and depression among college students. A self-report survey was conducted on 625 college students from two universities in Hunan Province, China. The survey included CPA, internet addiction, alexithymia, and depression. Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed on these variables, and a moderated mediation model was constructed. CPA is positively correlated with depression, internet addiction, and alexithymia among college students. Internet addiction partially mediates the relationship between CPA and depression among college students, while alexithymia enhances the relationship between CPA and internet addiction as well as depression among college students. The moderating effect of the different dimensions of alexithymia is inconsistent, with the modulation effect of difficulty in identifying feelings being the strongest. This study further elucidates the psychological mechanisms between CPA and depression among college students. Internet addiction serves as a mediating factor, while alexithymia may strengthen the relationship between CPA and internet addiction, as well as between CPA and depression.

How childhood psychological abuse affects adolescent cyberbullying: The chain mediating role of self-efficacy and psychological resilience.

Despite the recognition of the impact of childhood psychological abuse, self-efficacy, and psychological resilience on cyberbullying, there is still a gap in understanding the specific mechanisms through which childhood psychological abuse impacts cyberbullying via self-efficacy and psychological resilience. Based on the Social Cognitive Theory, this study aims to investigate the link between childhood psychological abuse and cyberbullying in adolescents, mediated by the sequential roles of self-efficacy and psychological resilience. The sample consisted of 891 students (M = 15.40, SD = 1.698) selected from four public secondary schools in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. All the participants filled in the structured self-report questionnaires on childhood psychological abuse, self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and cyberbullying. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS 24.0. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) Childhood psychological abuse is positively associated with adolescent cyberbullying; (2) Self-efficacy plays a mediating role between childhood psychological abuse and adolescent cyberbullying; (3) Psychological resilience plays a mediating role between childhood psychological abuse and adolescent cyberbullying; (4) Self-efficacy and psychological resilience play a chain mediation role between childhood psychological abuse and adolescent cyberbullying. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking childhood psychological abuse to adolescent cyberbullying, shedding light on potential pathways for targeted interventions and support programs to promote the well-being of adolescents in the face of early adversity.

Relationship between childhood trauma and postpartum psychotic experiences: the role of postnatal anxiety and depression as mediators

BackgroundPostpartum psychosis (PP) is a psychological emergency requiring rapid intervention, hospitalization and psychiatric management. However, PP has been neglected in the postpartum literature. Understanding the detrimental consequences of childhood trauma across mother’s life span is crucial to prevent this serious condition. The study’s objectives were to demonstrate the relationship between childhood trauma and postpartum psychotic experiences (PPEs) and to look over the mediating role of postnatal depression (PD) and anxiety (PA) in this relationship.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, which enrolled 438 postpartum females 4–6 weeks after delivery (mean age: 31.23 ± 5.24 years), was carried out from September 2022 to June 2023. The Arabic validated versions of the Postpartum Psychotic Experiences Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale, and the Child Abuse Self Report Scale were used.ResultsBoth PD and PA partially mediated the correlation between psychological abuse and PPEs, and fully mediated the association between neglect and PPEs. Higher psychological abuse and neglect were significantly associated with higher PD (Beta = 1.11) and PA (Beta = 3.94), higher PD (Beta = 0.84) and PA (Beta = 0.26) were significantly associated with higher PPEs in both models, whereas greater child psychological abuse (Beta = 1.37) (but not neglect) was directly and strongly correlated with higher PPEs in all models.ConclusionThe significant mediating effect of PA and PD on the association between childhood adversities and PPEs among postpartum females may offer additional therapeutic avenues to help attenuate various postpartum mental health issues and their potential serious risks on both mother and child.

Intimate Partner Violence Risk Factors: A Vulnerability-Adaptation Stress Model Approach.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionally affects women. Using the vulnerability-adaptation stress model, we examined adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), self-esteem, and hope as vulnerability indicators and relationship status and length, positive and negative affect, and socioeconomic status (SES) as stressors to ascertain the risk for IPV. Women (N = 491, M = 37.15, standard deviation = 12.51) completed an online survey comprised of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, Snyder's Hope Scale, ACE questionnaire, Composite Abuse Scale Revised-Short Form, and demographic questions. Factor analysis identified four ACE factors of sexual abuse, physical or psychological abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and household dysfunction. A five-step hierarchical multiple regression identified that greater exposure to physical or psychological child abuse was associated with an increased risk of IPV (Step 2), B = 0.73 [0.16, 1.34]. Lower self-esteem, B = -0.30 [-0.47, -0.14] predicted IPV (Step 3). Age B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length, B = -1.24 [-2.16, 0.41] were associated with a higher risk of IPV (Step 4). In Step 5, previous variables attenuated to non-significance while age, B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length B = -1.25 [-2.16, 0.41] remained significant. While the key findings of this study were inconsistent with some commonly reported findings (e.g., ACEs, self-esteem, hope, relationship status, SES, age), these inconsistencies are important to highlight given the factorial approach to examining ACEs, the comprehensive analyses conducted, and our examination of these variables' direct relationship to IPV. The study was limited by its cross-sectional nature, higher prevalence of IPV victims, and not examining IPV sub-types. Similar studies need to be conducted for other relationship types and victimized individuals (e.g., same-sex relationships and male victims) to provide a complete picture of risk factors for IPV.

The relationship between childhood psychological abuse and depression in college students: a moderated mediation model

BackgroundChildhood psychological abuse (CPA) are highly correlated with depression among college students, but the underlying mechanisms between variables need further exploration. This study aims to investigate internet addiction as a mediating factor and alexithymia as a moderating factor, in order to further elucidate the potential risk factors between CPA and depression among college students.MethodsA self-report survey was conducted among 1196 college students from four universities in three provinces in China. The survey included measures of CPA, internet addiction, alexithymia, and depression. Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed on these variables, and a moderated mediation model was constructed.ResultsCPA was positively correlated with depression among college students, as well as internet addiction with alexithymia. Internet addiction partially mediated the relationship between CPA and depression among college students, while alexithymia strengthened the relationships among the paths in the moderated mediation model.ConclusionThis study provides further insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between CPA and depression among college students. Internet addiction serves as a mediating factor in this relationship, while alexithymia may enhance the strength of the relationships among the three variables.

Gene - maltreatment interplay in adult ADHD symptoms: main role of a gene-environment correlation effect in a Brazilian population longitudinal study.

Childhood maltreatment correlates with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in previous research. The interaction between ADHD genetic predisposition and maltreatment's impact on ADHD symptom risk remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate this relationship by examining the interplay between a polygenic score for ADHD (ADHD-PGS) and childhood maltreatment in predicting ADHD symptoms during young adulthood. Using data from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort comprising 4231 participants, we analyzed gene-environment interaction (GxE) and correlation (rGE). We further explored rGE mechanisms through mediation models. ADHD symptoms were assessed at age 18 via self-report (Adult Self Report Scale - ASRS) and mother-reports (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire - SDQ). The ADHD-PGS was derived from published ADHD GWAS meta-analysis. Physical and psychological child maltreatment was gauged using the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC) at ages 6 and 11, with a mean score utilized as a variable. The ADHD-PGS exhibited associations with ADHD symptoms on both ASRS (β = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.03; 1.03, p = 0.036), and SDQ (β = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.08; 0.32, p = 0.001) scales. The total mean maltreatment score was associated with ADHD symptoms using both scales [(βASRS = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26;0.77) and (βSDQ = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.18;0.29)]. The ADHD-PGS was associated with total mean maltreatment scores (β = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.17; p = 0.030). Approximately 47% of the total effect of ADHD-PGS on maltreatment was mediated by ADHD symptoms at age 6. No evidence supported gene-environment interaction in predicting ADHD symptoms. Our findings underscore the significant roles of genetics and childhood maltreatment as predictors for ADHD symptoms in adulthood, while also indicating a potential evocative mechanism through gene-environment correlation.

Unraveling the Link Between Childhood Psychological Maltreatment and Mental Well-Being: The Serial Mediation Role of Family Belongingness, Family Coherence, and Loneliness

Childhood psychological maltreatment has a significant impact on family-related factors and adult mental health, emphasizing the importance of investigating its effects and developing appropriate interventions. Loneliness is also an important factor that needs further exploration in relation to these variables. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the relationship between these variables and to examine the role of family belongingness, family sense of coherence, and loneliness as chain mediators between childhood psychological maltreatment and adult mental well-being. Data from 369 participants residing in 46 different cities in Turkey were analyzed. The participants were selected to represent a diverse range of backgrounds and living conditions, predominantly female ( n = 282, 76.4%) and well educated ( n = 300, 81.3%). A structural mediation model was used to analyze the data. The variables of childhood psychological maltreatment, family belongingness, family sense of coherence, loneliness, and adult mental well-being were measured and examined for their relationships. The findings of the study indicated that family belongingness, family sense of coherence, and loneliness mediate the association between childhood psychological maltreatment and adult mental well-being. Childhood psychological maltreatment poses a risk to a positive family sense of coherence and family belongingness, while loneliness emerges as a significant factor affecting adult mental well-being. These findings highlight the importance of addressing childhood maltreatment and promoting family support and coherence to enhance mental well-being in adulthood. Further research and interventions in this area are warranted.

Childhood Psychological Maltreatment and Subjective Vitality: Longitudinal Mediating Effect of Cognitive Flexibility

Childhood psychological maltreatment is an essential concept that can have an impact on an individual’s physical and psychological health. The majority of studies on childhood psychological maltreatment used a cross-sectional design. The fact that this concept, which has a long-term effect on an individual’s life, has not been investigated in longitudinal research has produced a gap in the literature. Our study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment, cognitive flexibility, and subjective vitality. The role of cognitive flexibility in the relation between childhood psychological maltreatment and subjective vitality was investigated in a Turkish sample (N = 270). In order to explain the relationship, a cross-lagged panel study in two waves was conducted. The results revealed that cognitive flexibility longitudinally mediates the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and subjective vitality. This research indicates that childhood psychological maltreatment reduces cognitive flexibility, which in turn influences subjective vitality.

The relationship between maternal-infant bonding and postpartum depression/anxiety: moderating effect of childhood psychological abuse and validation of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding scale (MIBS-8) in Arabic

BackgroundThe emotional bond that a mother senses to her infant is essential to their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Understanding the level of mother-infant bonding plays an imperative role in the excellence of care. However, in Lebanon, there is a paucity of information about mother-infant bonding in the postpartum period. Given that Lebanese pregnant women constitute an important part of the population to look at, the objectives of the study were to (1) validate the Arabic version of the mother–infant bonding scale and (2) the relation between mother-infant bond and postpartum depression/anxiety; (3) the moderating effect of child abuse in the association between mother-infant bond and postpartum depression/anxiety.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 until June 2023, enrolling 438 women 4–6 weeks after delivery (mean age: 31.23 ± 5.24 years). To examine the factor structure of the mother-infant bond scale, we used an Exploratory-Confirmatory (EFA-CFA) strategy. To check if the model was adequate, several fit indices were calculated: the normed model chi-square (χ2/df), the Steiger-Lind root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) and the comparative fit index (CFI).ResultsEFA was conducted on the first subsample. Three items were removed. The five items remaining loaded on one factor, which explained 73.03% of the common variance (ω = .91 / α = .90). After adding a correlation between residuals for items 2–7 and 5–8, fit indices of the CFA results were acceptable: χ2/df = 6.97/3 = 2.32, RMSEA = .068 (90% CI .001, .135), SRMR = .017, CFI = .996, TLI = .988. The interaction maternal-infant bonding by child psychological abuse was significantly associated with depression and anxiety respectively. At low, moderate and high levels of child psychological abuse, higher maternal-infant bonding scores (greater difficulty in bonding) were significantly associated with higher depression and higher anxiety respectively.ConclusionThis study provides, for the first time, a specific Arabic scale to assess mother-infant bonding reliably and validly. Furthermore, our study has suggested the existence of factors that have additive effects in potentiating the risk for depression and anxiety among Lebanese postpartum women, namely a history of psychological child abuse. Therefore, laborious awareness programs and healthcare services need to be implemented in order to prevent maternal mental health disorders from being unrecognized and left untreated.

The relationship between childhood psychological abuse and social media addiction among college students: the mediating role of fear of missing out and the moderating role of left-behind experience.

Mobile social media is a new type of online media that is participatory, open, and communicative, among other characteristics. Due to the increasing popularity of social media, this technology has become an indispensable part of people's social lives. This study aims to examine the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and social media addiction among university students as well as the mediating role of fear of missing out and the moderating effect of left-behind experience in this context. A voluntary anonymous online survey of 1694 university students was conducted using the Childhood Psychological Maltreatment Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, and the Social Media Addiction Scale. First, significant positive correlations were observed between childhood psychological maltreatment and both fear of missing out and social media addiction among university students. Fear of missing out partially mediated the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and social media addiction. Second, left-behind experience was found to moderate the direct path from childhood psychological maltreatment to social media addiction as well as the first half of the mediating effect of missed anxiety. Childhood psychological maltreatment can predict social media addiction among university students not only directly but also indirectly through the mediating role of missed anxiety. The direct effect of childhood psychological maltreatment on social media addiction is moderated by left-behind experience. The first half of the mediating role of missed anxiety is also moderated by left-behind experience.

Child Abuse Exposure, Internalizing and Externalizing Trauma Sequelae, and Partner Violence Perpetration Among Young Adult Men

ABSTRACT Partner violence is a major public health concern. Theory and research connect exposure to abuse in childhood to partner violence in adulthood. The present study examined internalizing and externalizing trauma sequelae as mediators in the association between child abuse exposure and adult partner violence perpetration. Young U.S. adult men (N = 423) completed background measures assessing exposure to psychological, physical, and sexual child abuse, internalizing (symptoms of anxiety and depression) and externalizing (problems with anger and alcohol use) sequelae, psychological and physical partner violence perpetration, and follow‐up assessments regarding sexual violence perpetration over the course of 3 months. Negative binomial regression showed that problems with anger mediated the associations between child psychological abuse exposure and adult psychological violence perpetration and between child physical abuse exposure and adult psychological violence perpetration. Problems from alcohol use mediated the associations between child psychological abuse exposure and adult psychological, physical, and sexual violence perpetration. Although child abuse exposure was associated with internalizing sequelae, none of the indirect effects from child abuse exposure to adult violence perpetration via internalizing sequelae were statistically significant. These findings add to the extant literature supporting an intergenerational transmission of violence and underscore that men who experience trauma early in life may attempt to cope with such experiences via maladaptive acting out behaviors. Partner violence interventions may benefit from incorporating strategies that address trauma and provide healthy alternatives for coping with distress.

Mindfulness and posttraumatic growth in childhood sexual abuse and psychological maltreatment survivors

Many studies focusing on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may have neglected the consequences related to experiencing other types of childhood maltreatment, such as psychological maltreatment. Moreover, the literature has focused more on negative consequences related to CSA, hence potentially leaving out more adaptive and resilient trajectories. This qualitative study aimed to explore childhood psychological maltreatment and CSA, mindfulness, sexuality, and intimate relationships in adult survivors. The interview data from 19 individuals who experienced CSA and psychological maltreatment were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Four conceptual categories developed: (a) an unsafe family environment that hindered the development of positive experiences and relationships; (b) impaired mindfulness dispositions: the reliving of trauma, the avoidance of suffering, and feeling engulfed; (c) impaired intimacy: instability, codependence, emotional distance, and self-silencing; and (d) mindfulness dispositions and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in participants’ intimate lives. These findings highlight that mindfulness, sexuality, and intimate relationships are often poor among survivors of psychological maltreatment and CSA. Yet opportunities to develop mindfulness dispositions appear to enhance PTG in survivors’ intimate relationships, significantly contributing to survivors’ healing processes.

The mediating role of sleep problems and depressed mood between psychological abuse/neglect and suicidal ideation in adolescent childhood: a multicentred, large sample survey in Western China

BackgroundAdolescent suicidal ideation are associated with factors including psychological abuse/neglect, sleep problems, and depressed mood, but the systematic effects of these factors on suicidal ideation remain unclear, which is a research gap this work aims to fill.MethodsA multi-center, the cluster sampling method was employed to collect general demographic data, such as age, gender, the experience of being left behind, and parents’ marital status, from 12,192 students across 17 secondary schools in China. The Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale (CPANS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Chinese version of the Depressed mood, Anxiety and Stress Scale − 21 Items (DASS-21) and Chinese version of Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory (PANSI) were utilized. Data were analyzed using t-tests, chi-square tests, correlation analyses, and structural equation modeling mediation analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of psychological abuse/neglect and adolescent suicidal ideation was 34.8% and 13%, respectively. This mediation analysis suggests that, in the relationship between psychological abuse/neglect and suicidal ideation, sleep problems and depressed mood play both parallel and sequential mediating roles.ConclusionSleep problems and depressed mood play a mediating role in the development of suicidal ideation in adolescents. Good sleep habits and depressed mood interventions help reduce the risk of suicidal ideation in adolescents who experience psychological neglect/abuse.

From childhood psychological maltreatment to fear of happiness: Exploring the serial mediation of external shame and family communication

BackgroundIt is known that childhood psychological maltreatment has an adverse influence on the present and future lives of individuals as well as on their past lives. Individuals exposed to psychological maltreatment avoid positive emotions throughout their lives, and their fear of happiness is triggered. ObjectiveConsidering that other factors may have an effect on this link, this study aims to examine the mediating role of external shame and family communication in the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and fear of happiness. MethodIn total 390 Turkish individuals participated from 51 different cities in Türkiye. Research data were analyzed by structural equation modeling. ResultsThe findings of the study indicated that external shame and family communication played a full mediating role in the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment and fear of happiness. ConclusionsThe results revealed that external shame and family communication are important variables to change the beliefs about the happiness of individuals who are exposed to psychological maltreatment. All findings were discussed and interpreted in detail in light of the literature.

The Underlying Mechanism for Childhood Psychological Maltreatment and Self-Satisfaction: The Serial Mediating Roles of Self-Critical Rumination and Self-Compassion

The Underlying Mechanism for Childhood Psychological Maltreatment and Self-Satisfaction: The Serial Mediating Roles of Self-Critical Rumination and Self-Compassion

Pediatrics. Consultation in pediatric for children exposed to domestic violence

Exposure to domestic violence affects a significant number of minors and is recognized as psychological abuse of children, with harmful consequences for their health in the absence of protection. The identification of such situations by professionals remains a major challenge, given the culture of secrecy that often prevails in such circumstances. When the situation of children or adolescents exposed to domestic violence is known, it is essential to set up an assessment. A brief intervention led by psychologists has recently been developed within the CHUV's Pediatrics Department. Considering the family context and the type of violence, this service assesses the needs of minors and guides them, placing them at the heart of the support process.

Childhood Maltreatment and Spiritual Well-Being: Intolerance of Uncertainty and Emotion Regulation as Mediators in Turkish Sample.

Spiritual well-being is a phenomenon that enhances the quality of life and acts as a protective factor against stress and negative emotions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether childhood psychological maltreatment is related to spiritual well-being and whether intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation serially mediate this relationship. The study sample comprised 330 participants aged between 18 and 55 years from 46 out of the 81 cities in Türkiye. The study participants completed the Psychological Maltreatment Questionnaire, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Emotion Regulation Scale, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale, a scale derived from the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being that measures spiritual well-being by using the conceptualization of meaning and peace. The data obtained were analyzed using a two-step structural equation modeling approach, which indicated that childhood psychological maltreatment has an association with spiritual well-being, and this relationship is mediated by both intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation. The findings are discussed in the context of the literature on spiritual well-being.

Mobile social media use and life satisfaction among adolescents: a moderated mediation model.

Adolescence is a sensitive transitional period accompanied by great physical, mental, and behavioral changes. Therefore, maintaining physical and mental health is crucial to the growth and development of adolescents. As one of the important indicators of mental health, the influencing factors of life satisfaction have been widely concerned by scholars. In recent years, with the rapid development of Internet technology, mobile social media has penetrated into all aspects of adolescents' life, which has a subtle impact on their physical and mental health. Existing studies have indicated that mobile social media use can affect adolescents' life satisfaction. However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms linking this association. This study developed a moderated mediation model to examine the mediating role of meaning in life and the moderating role of childhood psychological maltreatment. A total of 1,198 adolescents across four provinces and municipalities of China completed questionnaires on mobile social media use, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and childhood psychological maltreatment. After controlling for gender and age, the results demonstrated that mobile social media use was positively associated with life satisfaction and meaning in life among adolescents. Moreover, meaning in life fully mediated the association between mobile social media use and life satisfaction. Finally, the association between mobile social media use and life satisfaction, as well as that between mobile social media use and meaning in life, was moderated by childhood psychological maltreatment. Specifically, these associations are stronger for adolescents with high levels of psychological maltreatment. These findings shed light on the important mechanism underlying mobile social media use's effects on adolescents' life satisfaction, which is helpful to formulate targeted measures for improving adolescents' life satisfaction.

The Relationship Between Personality Traits and Moral Development During Adolescence

The relationship between adolescence, personality, and moral development is inseparable since it is a critical transitional period; therefore, the traits and temperament adolescents show can highly predict what their personalities are like in adulthood and therefore can influence how they behave in moral judgment. Research on moral psychology suggests that personality holds a strong relationship with morality, positive traits highlighted by sympathy and consciousness are likely to promote prosocial behaviors. In contrast, negative ones such as the Dark Triad traits always give rise to antisocial behaviors. Callous-unemotional traits are another potent reflection of personality. These traits exhibit a negative correlation with social rightness since the individual diagnosed with these traits feels less guilty of committing a crime. On the other hand, they are enabled to trigger atypical moral development like moral disengagement. Environmental factors, for example, childhood psychological maltreatment, can also contribute to moral progression by interacting with the factors we are talking about. The review traces how personality and morality develop and interrelate in a particular time –adolescence.

Childhood Psychological Maltreatment, Mindful Awareness, Self-Transcendence, and Mental Well-Being in Emerging Adults

Psychological maltreatment is a severe form of abuse that can have a significant negative impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being. Examining the factors that reduce the negative effects of child maltreatment on the outcomes can, hence, contribute to the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies, providing resources and support for families, early detection, and education for parents and caregivers. The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of mindful awareness and self-transcendence in the association between childhood psychological maltreatment and mental well-being among Turkish emerging adults. The study sample consisted of 422 emerging adults enrolled in a state university in Türkiye (with 65% of female). Participants ranged in age from 18 to 29 years, with a mean age of 20.94 years ( SD = 1.86). The present study found that psychological maltreatment was not only directly associated with lower levels of mindful awareness and self-transcendence, but also indirectly associated with poorer mental well-being through the mediating effects of these variables. The study suggests that childhood psychological maltreatment is a significant risk factor for mental well-being among emerging adults, and highlights the importance of promoting the development of mindful awareness and self-transcendence in preventions and interventions aimed at improving mental well-being. By cultivating these positive psychology states, emerging adults may be better equipped to overcome the negative effects of psychological maltreatment.