Self-Perception in Adolescents With Childhood traumatic Experiences: A Comparative Analysis With Healthy Peers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i1.671Keywords:
Adolescents, Self-perception, Childhood traumatic experience, Psychosocial profile, Traumatic experience- informed careAbstract
Adolescence is a critical period for identity development and self-perception, yet exposure to childhood trauma can severely disrupt this process. This study investigates the self-perception of adolescents with documented childhood traumatic experiences compared to healthy peers without such histories. Using a comparative cross-sectional design, 120 adolescents aged 12– 19 years (60 with trauma history; 60 controls) completed the Self-Perception Scale (SPS), the Childhood Trauma Scale–Short Form (CTS-SF), and additional psychosocial measures. Results indicated that adolescents with trauma histories reported significantly lower scores across all self-perception domains—social acceptance, competence, and self-worth—than their healthy counterparts. Regression analyses showed childhood trauma as a significant predictor of negative self-perception, even after controlling for socio-economic status and perceived social support. These findings underscore the importance of trauma- informed screening and interventions to improve self-concept and resilience in Indian adolescents.
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