UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA IN ADULT INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP

MS SYAMILI M DAS , MS Dhruthi S

Psychological impact

Childhood trauma represents a significant developmental challenge that can have long-lasting effects on an individual's emotional, psychological, and social functioning. Experiences such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to adverse family environments during early life can interfere with the formation of secure attachments and healthy emotional regulation. These early disruptions often extend into adulthood, influencing how individuals perceive, approach, and maintain interpersonal relationships. The present study seeks to examine the impact of childhood trauma on adult interpersonal relationships through an in-depth qualitative exploration. A phenomenological research design was employed to understand the lived experiences of individuals who reported exposure to childhood trauma. Participants within the age range of 18 to 45 years were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to openly share their personal experiences, emotional patterns, and relational challenges. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and meaningful insights related to interpersonal functioning. The analysis revealed several consistent themes across participant narratives. Many individuals reported persistent difficulties in trusting others, often accompanied by a fear of betrayal or abandonment. Emotional dysregulation emerged as another prominent theme, with participants describing challenges in managing intense emotions such as anger, anxiety, and sadness within relationships. Communication barriers, including difficulty expressing emotions and avoidance of conflict, were also commonly observed. Additionally, several participants indicated a diminished sense of self-worth, which further affected their ability to engage in secure and fulfilling relationships. Despite these challenges, the study also highlighted the presence of resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms among participants. Strategies such as self-awareness, emotional distancing, seeking social support, and engaging in personal growth practices were reported as ways to manage relational difficulties. These findings suggest that while childhood trauma can significantly influence interpersonal dynamics, individuals possess the capacity to adapt and work towards healthier relational patterns over time. Overall, the study emphasizes the profound and multifaceted impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships. It underscores the importance of trauma-informed approaches in psychological practice, particularly those that address both emotional healing and relational functioning. By providing a deeper understanding of individual's lived experiences, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and highlights the need for continued exploration in this area. Future research may expand on these findings by incorporating diverse populations and longitudinal perspectives to better understand the long-term progression of trauma-related relational patterns.

Volume 14 Issue 4, April-2026

Pages : h391-h400