Trauma exposure, psychological symptoms and shame- and guilt-proneness in young adults

This study aims to explore the relationships between trauma exposure, shame- and guilt-proneness, and the subsequent development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO) symptoms in young adults. The central hypothesis is that trauma exposure is linked to the emergence of PTSD and DSO, with shame and guilt serving as key mediators in this relationship.The study will involve young adults participants. The investigation will examine how trauma exposure contributes to the onset of PTSD and DSO, while focusing on the role that shame- and guilt-proneness may play as mediators.We anticipate finding notable correlations between shame-proneness and PTSD/DSO symptoms, as well as between guilt-proneness and PTSD/DSO symptoms. Additionally, trauma exposure is expected to predict PTSD, DSO, and both guilt- and shame-proneness. Indirect effects are also anticipated, suggesting that trauma exposure influences the development of PTSD and DSO through its impact on guilt- and shame-proneness.The findings from this study may offer important insights into the emotional regulation mechanisms that underlie trauma-related disorders, highlighting the potential for interventions that focus on shame- and guilt-proneness in the treatment of trauma survivors. Future research will delve into the role of these emotions in the development of Complex PTSD and examine how they contribute to the progression of trauma-related symptoms.