The mediating role of cognitive flexibility and self-compassion in the relationship between complex trauma and post-traumatic growth

This study aims to examine the mediating roles of cognitive flexibility and self-compassion in the relationship between complex trauma and post-traumatic growth. The study included 354 adults aged 18-65, and data were collected online. Measurement tools used in the research include the Childhood Adverse Experiences Scale, Life Events Checklist-5, International Trauma Questionnaire, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, and Self-Compassion Scale. For the analyses conducted with the obtained data, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used if normal distribution was present. For examining the mediating role, two separate analyses were performed using the Process Macro Hayes extension with the Model 4 mediation model. The analyses revealed that complex trauma significantly and negatively predicts post-traumatic growth, while cognitive flexibility partially mediates and mitigates this relationship. Additionally, self-compassion was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between complex trauma and post-traumatic growth. These findings suggest that cognitive flexibility and self-compassion need to be addressed differently to support individuals' psychological well-being following traumatic experiences. The study emphasizes the importance of interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive flexibility while highlighting the need for further research on the functionality of self-compassion in trauma recovery.