The mediating role of empathy in the relationship between childhood traumas and family functioning

Individuals who experience childhood traumas have a profound impact on their psychological, emotional and social functioning later in life. It is seen that the lasting effects of childhood traumas play an important role on individuals' empathy abilities and family relationships. In this context, understanding the impact of childhood traumas on individuals' empathy abilities and examining the role of this empathy on family functioning is of great importance both academically and practically. The sample of the study consists of 399 participants between the ages of 18-40 who are married and have at least one child living in Izmir. As data collection tools, Revised Shortened Version of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ- 33), Basic Empathy Scale, Family Functioning Style Scale (FFSS), Sociodemographic Information Form were used. In the analyses, Hayes Process was used for the mediation role. Data analysis was performed with SPSS-25 program. As a result of the study, childhood traumas have a relationship with family functioning; however, this relationship depends on the presence of empathy. The increase in childhood mental traumas leads to a decrease in the level of basic empathy, and decreased empathy negatively affects family functioning. Therefore, childhood trauma affects empathy and empathy affects family functioning. Basic empathy partially mediates the relationship between family functioning and childhood mental traumas.