The Relationship Between Childhood Traumas and Social Anxiety and Feelings of Loneliness

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of childhood traumas with the feeling of the loneliness and social anxiety. Relational screening model, which is one of the quantitative methods, was used in the research. The population of the research consists of 409 adults who are between the ages of 18-50 living in Kırklareli. Data collection tools in the study are Childhood Trauma Scale (CTQ-28), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Considering the results of the Childhood Trauma Scale (CTQ-28), it was seen that women experienced significantly more emotional and sexual abuse in their childhood, while men experienced significantly more physical neglect. It was determined that participants with a high school education level or less than this level experienced significantly more physical and emotional neglect. As a result of the study, it was observed that participants who were 31-35 years old, had a high school degree or less education level, and had an income of less than 3000 TL reported that they experienced significantly more loneliness. In addition, it has been observed that the factors of being single and female, aged 25-30, high school or less education level, and income level below 3000 TL pose a risk for social anxiety. In terms of prognosis, considering childhood traumas and feeling of loneliness in the treatment of social anxiety is crucial.