The Relationship Between Psychological Trauma And Depression In High School Students: The Moderating Role Of Self-Blame

Objective: Depression has a negative impact on the mental health of adolescents.Previous studies have found that many factors are particularly closely related with adolescent depression,especially childhood psychological trauma and self-blame.However,it is unknown that the role of self-blame between childhood psychological trauma and depression.The longitudinal study aimed to explore the relationship between childhood psychological trauma,self-blame and depression in high school students,particularly the moderation mechanism of self-blame.Methods: A total of 936 middle school students were assessed using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire,Child Mood and Feelings Questionnaire,and Self-blame Questionnaire,which were followed up for three months.Results:(1)there was a significant positive correlation between childhood psychological trauma,self-blame and depression;(2)Psychological trauma in childhood could directly predict depression.Specifically,middle school students with more experience of psychological trauma in childhood are more likely to have depression;(3)The relationship between childhood trauma and depression in high school students was regulated by self-blame attribution.Under the high level of self-blame,childhood psychological trauma could significantly and positively predict depression,while under the low level of self-blame,childhood psychological trauma could not significantly predict depression.Conclusion: The current study revealed that self-blame played a positive moderated role in childhood psychological trauma and depression.Therefore,the findings provided theoretical basis and suggestive guidance for school mental health service,so as to reduce the risk of depression.