Understanding the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms: the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas: A transdiagnostic approach

Depressive symptoms currently affect around a third of students enrolled in Dutch universities. Its occurrence has been associated with both Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) domain Disconnection & Rejection as well as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Furthermore, ACEs have been shown to be a risk factor, however not predictor of depressive symptoms. To understand this relationship further and explain individual differences, this cross-sectional study aimed to confirm that the relationship between ACEs and transdiagnostic depressive symptoms is mediated by EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection. 125 students (age mdn=19; 91.2% female) enrolled at Leiden University from different nationalities responded to our questionnaire, consisting of validated questionnaires assessing the relevant variables. Mediation analysis between ACE scores, transdiagnostic depressive symptoms and EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection scores revealed a significant indirect effect (ab=0.2289, p<0.001),...Show moreDepressive symptoms currently affect around a third of students enrolled in Dutch universities. Its occurrence has been associated with both Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) domain Disconnection & Rejection as well as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Furthermore, ACEs have been shown to be a risk factor, however not predictor of depressive symptoms. To understand this relationship further and explain individual differences, this cross-sectional study aimed to confirm that the relationship between ACEs and transdiagnostic depressive symptoms is mediated by EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection. 125 students (age mdn=19; 91.2% female) enrolled at Leiden University from different nationalities responded to our questionnaire, consisting of validated questionnaires assessing the relevant variables. Mediation analysis between ACE scores, transdiagnostic depressive symptoms and EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection scores revealed a significant indirect effect (ab=0.2289, p<0.001), accounting for 82% of the relationship. Exploratory analysis revealed that individual schemas of EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection (Abandonment, Mistrust/Abuse, Emotional Deprivation, Defectiveness/Shame and Social Isolation) also significantly mediated this relationship. Our data suggests that in a population with ACEs, transdiagnostic depressive symptoms could partly be explained through the presence of EMS domain Disconnection & Rejection, which could be an explanation for individual differences and provides evidence for a cognitive route in the onset of depressive symptoms.Show less

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Understanding the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms: the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas: A transdiagnostic approach