Investigating the impact of trauma and childhood abuse on self-esteem and depressive symptomatology in early adulthood.
Published:
Apr 19, 2026
Keywords:
Depressive Symptomatology Self-Esteem Childhood Trauma Violence Childhood Abuse
Abstract
The investigation on the effects that early trauma and childhood maltreatment have on the mental health of young adults is considered crucial, as the international literature indicates that experiences of abuse during childhood are associated with increased psychopathology and reduced self-perception in adulthood. However, relevant data on Greek and Cypriot young populations remain limited, highlighting the need for the conduct of the present study. The study examines the associations between early trauma, childhood maltreatment, self-esteem, and depressive symptomatology in a sample of 557 individuals aged 18–25 years from Greece and Cyprus. Trauma and maltreatment were assessed using the Childhood Abuse and Trauma Scale [CATS-38]. Depressive symptomatology was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-I], and self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES-10]. The results indicated that childhood maltreatment was positively associated with depressive symptomatology (ρ = .55, p < .001) and negatively associated with self-esteem (ρ = −.42, p < .001). Furthermore, self-esteem demonstrated a statistically significant negative association with depressive symptomatology (ρ = −.73, p < .001). Finally, elevated levels of depressive symptomatology were observed in the general young adult population of the sample. The findings of the present study underscore the importance of early detection and intervention within the general young adult population, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening youth mental health.
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Tzimogianni, S. M., & Panagiotopoulos, C. (2026). Investigating the impact of trauma and childhood abuse on self-esteem and depressive symptomatology in early adulthood. Social Work. Review of Social Sciences, 40(1), 4–20. https://doi.org/10.12681/socialwork-rss.41745
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