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:: Volume 36, Issue 3 (Fall 2026) ::
MEDICAL SCIENCES 2026, 36(3): 346-356 Back to browse issues page
The relationship between childhood trauma and personality trait with externalizing and internalizing problems with the mediating role of shame in adolescents
Samira Salamati1 , Sareh Zamani *2 , Sajjad Khanjani3
1- Master's Student, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Welfare and Social Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty Member, YI.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , Sareh.zamani@iau.ac.ir
3- PhD in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty Member, Tehran South Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract:   (300 Views)
Background: Adolescence is a critical stage in personality formation and mental health. Adverse childhood experiences (traumas) can influence personality traits as well as the emergence of externalizing and internalizing problems. Understanding these relationships and the mediating role of shame can contribute to the development of effective interventions for the prevention and treatment of psychological problems in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the relationship between childhood traumas and personality traits with externalizing and internalizing problems, considering the mediating role of shame in adolescents.
Materials and methods: This fundamental, descriptive correlational study was conducted using a structural equation design. The statistical sample consisted of 397 students aged 13 to 19 years old in Tehran's 22nd district, who were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using standard questionnaires (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, by Bernstein et al., 2003, NEO Questionnaire, by McCrae and Costa, 1985, Externalizing and Internalizing Problems Questionnaire, Achenbach, 1991, and Shame and Guilt Questionnaire by Cohen et al., 2011) and analyzed with SPSS and AMOS softwares.
Results: The findings indicated that the model linking childhood traumas and personality traits to externalizing and internalizing problems, with shame as a mediator, had a good fit with empirical data (p=0.744). Childhood traumas and personality traits had significant direct effects on externalizing and internalizing problems (p<0.001). Furthermore, shame played a significant indirect mediating role in these relationships (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings emphasize the necessity of psychological interventions aimed at reducing feelings of shame and enhancing the understanding of traumas to improve adolescents’ mental health
Keywords: Childhood traumas, Shame, Externalizing problems, Internalizing problems, Personality traits.
Full-Text [PDF 1129 kb]   (103 Downloads)    
Semi-pilot: Basic | Subject: psychology
Received: 2025/10/31 | Accepted: 2026/01/25 | Published: 2026/09/1
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Salamati S, Zamani S, Khanjani S. The relationship between childhood trauma and personality trait with externalizing and internalizing problems with the mediating role of shame in adolescents. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2026; 36 (3) :346-356
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Volume 36, Issue 3 (Fall 2026) Back to browse issues page
فصلنامه علوم پزشکی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد پزشکی تهران Medical Science Journal of Islamic Azad Univesity - Tehran Medical Branch
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