The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Adolescence: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Counseling, Faculty of of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan

Abstract

Background and Objective: Childhood trauma experience is known to be one of the major risk factors for the development of depressive and anxiety disorders in adolescents. The aim of this narrative review was to investigate the impact of various childhood traumas on depressive and anxiety disorders in adolescents and the possible role of mediating variables.

Method: In this narrative review, studies related to the effects of childhood trauma on anxiety and depression disorders in adolescents were identified and reviewed through the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Data extracted from 25 studies were analyzed and organized to identify psychological consequences, types of trauma, measurement tools, the role of mediating variables, and sample characteristics to determine the key aspects of the impact of trauma on adolescents' mental disorders.

Findings: The results showed that adolescents who experienced childhood trauma are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. The severity and frequency of trauma were correlated with the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. Sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect had the most significant effects. The mediating role of resilience, perceived social support, emotion regulation, school engagement, and self-concept in reducing the effects of trauma on depression and anxiety was reported in some studies, indicating that these factors can moderate the negative effects of trauma and reduce the risk of mental disorders.

Conclusion: The experience of childhood trauma, particularly emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, is associated with an increased likelihood of depression and anxiety disorders in adolescents. Strengthening mediating variables and focusing on prevention and early intervention can mitigate the negative effects of these experiences. These findings underscore the importance of designing educational and psychological interventions for adolescents exposed to trauma.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Rehabilitation Counseling
Volume 1, Issue 4
February 2026
Pages 282-295

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 January 2026
  • Revise Date: 14 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 01 March 2026
  • Publish Date: 18 March 2026

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