Childhood trauma, emotion dysregulation and psychosis.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Do stressful past experiences affect people’s mental well-being and how they manage their emotions?
IRAS ID
201567
Contact name
Michaela Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research has shown that childhood trauma (e.g. being physically, sexually or emotionally hurt, or not being taken care of) is associated with people being more likely to experience psychosis (e.g. having experiences such as hearing voices, seeing visions or having beliefs about being harmed). However, important gaps remain in our understanding of this relationship. This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which traumatic childhood experiences may be related to psychotic symptoms in adulthood. Some researchers have suggested that difficulties with emotion regulation, the ability to understand and cope with ones emotions, may in part explain the relationship between trauma and psychosis. They propose that difficulties with emotion regulation, that are known to be a common consequence of trauma early in life, may make an individual more vulnerable to developing psychotic symptoms. In line with this, research has shown that individuals with psychosis display significant difficulties describing, identifying and managing their emotions. It is therefore possible that difficulties managing emotions may at least in part explain the relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis. This study aims to explore the relationship between childhood trauma, positive psychotic symptoms and emotion regulation. It is hoped that a better understanding of the processes underlying the relationship between trauma and psychosis will support the development of more effective treatments for psychosis.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0869
Date of REC Opinion
24 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion