The Psychological Sequelae of Childhood Trauma: Investigating Its Impact on Dissociative Experiences and Psychosomatic Symptoms in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Childhood trauma is known to have lasting psychological repercussions that often manifest as dissociative tendencies and physical distress symptoms in adulthood. Dissociative experiences—marked by disruptions in memory, identity, or perception—are commonly observed as maladaptive coping strategies following traumatic events. Similarly, psychosomatic symptoms—physical complaints without medical explanation—can reflect unresolved emotional conflicts. These outcomes are especially significant during emerging adulthood, a transitional period characterized by emotional sensitivity, identity exploration, and vulnerability to psychological distress. The present study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of childhood trauma by examining its relationship with dissociative experiences and psychosomatic symptoms among emerging adults. A cross-sectional design was utilized, through convenience sampling, 400 university students (200 males and 200 females), aged 18 to 24 years, were recruited. After the consent demographic information sheet was filled followed by standardized measures, i.e., the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and the Somatic Symptom Scale for Adults (APA, 2013). Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analyses were employed for statistical analysis. Results revealed small but statistically significant positive correlation between childhood trauma and dissociative experiences (r = .25, p < .01), and between dissociative experiences and psychosomatic symptoms (r = .14, p < .01). However, the correlation between childhood trauma and psychosomatic symptoms was not significant (r = .08, p = .101). Regression analysis indicated that childhood trauma significantly predicted dissociative experiences (R² = .06, p < .001), but not psychosomatic symptoms (R² = .007, p = .101). These findings emphasize the role of early adverse experiences in shaping dissociative responses during emerging adulthood. This study is novel in its exploration of these dynamics within a South Asian non-clinical student population, contributing culturally relevant evidence to the global discourse on trauma psychology.