Examining the relationship between childhood trauma, somatization and emotion regulation skills in adults

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between childhood trauma, somatization, and emotion regulation skills in adults aged 18 to 65, and to contribute to the literature by investigating these variables along with socio-demographic factors. A relational screening model was used in the research. The sample consisted of a total of 389 participants, including 262 women and 127 men, reached through an online survey method in Istanbul. Participants were administered the "Personal Information Form," "Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-33)," "Somatization Scale," and "Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-8 (DERS-8)." Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Non-parametric analyses were used when the groups were not homogeneous. The analyses revealed significant differences in childhood trauma, somatization, and emotion regulation scores according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the individuals. Male participants were found to have significantly higher childhood trauma scores compared to females. According to the findings, there were moderate positive significant correlations among childhood trauma, somatization, and difficulties in emotion regulation. The regression model showed that somatization and difficulties in emotion regulation together significantly predicted childhood trauma scores. The results of the study suggest that childhood traumas may negatively affect somatization levels and emotion regulation skills in adulthood. The findings, evaluated within the context of the literature, emphasize the necessity of protective and preventive measures against psychological trauma. This study is considered to provide important contributions for the evaluation of programs aimed at preventing childhood trauma, the development of new intervention approaches to protect children from such traumas, or the improvement of existing programs. Additionally, it is thought that this study will contribute to the literature and guide future research. Keywords: Childhood Traumas, Somatization, Difficulty Regulating Emotion.