Examining the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences, emotional dependency, and emotion regulation skills in adults with romantic relationships

This research was conducted to examine the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences, emotional dependency, and emotion regulation skills among adults in romantic relationships. Additionally, the study investigated how childhood traumatic experiences, emotional dependency, and emotion regulation skills varied based on demographic variables. The sample of the study consisted of 383 participants selected using appropriate sampling methods. The Screening Model was employed in the research. The research utilized the Socio-demographic Information Form, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Emotional Dependency Scale, and Emotion Regulation Skills Scale. Independent Samples t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation, and Linear Regression Analysis were used to analyze the data obtained from the research. The results of the study revealed a significant negative relationship between childhood traumatic experiences, specifically the sub-dimension of sexual abuse, and emotional dependency. However, no relationship was found between overall childhood traumatic experiences and its sub-dimensions (emotional abuse, physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect) and emotional dependency. The study found a significant and negative relationship between childhood traumas, both in terms of total scores and their sub-dimensions, and emotion regulation skills, both in terms of total scores and their sub-dimensions.