The effect of experience of childhood abuse among university students on self-perception and submissive behavior

an article by Çiğdem Berber Çelik and Hatice Odacı (Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey) published in Children and Youth Services Review Volume 34 Issue 1 (January 2012)

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of experience of childhood abuse among university students on self-perception and submissive behavior.
Methods
The study group consisted of 646 students attending various departments of the Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Education in Trabzon, Turkey. Participants were administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Social Comparison Scale and the Submissive Acts Scale in a classroom setting.
Results
Analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between self-perception and all forms of abuse (physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse and neglect), and a positive correlation between submissive behaviour and all forms of abuse. The students’ emotional abuse and neglect scores varied significantly according to gender, with males having higher emotional abuse and neglect scores than those of girls. Additionally, males had higher physical abuse scores than girls.
Conclusion
Childhood abuse emerged as a significant predictor of negative self-perception and submissive behaviour. In addition, with the exception of sexual abuse, other forms of abuse vary according to gender. The experiences of childhood abuse may have a long-term impact on various features of character and behaviour.

Hazel’s comment:
There are times when a study which shows up what you’ve known for years is useful – if only to highlight an issue for people who have not experienced something at first- or second-hand.
The times when careers/employment advice moves into counselling need an empathy that we have not always understood. “Just snap out of it” is, unfortunately, not always, maybe not ever, possible for most people.

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