Childhood Trauma, Irrational Beliefs and Self-Esteem Among Adult Individuals with Conversion Disorder

Abstract

The present study explored the relationship between childhood trauma, irrational beliefs and self-esteem among adult individuals with Conversion Disorder receiving treatment (N=100) at public institutes of Lahore. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Bernstein, Ahluvalia, Pogge, & Handelsman, 1997)Irrational Beliefs Inventory (Ellis, 1962), and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) were used. Correlational research design was used. Independent sample t test, multiple linear regression, and Multi Variate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were applied. Results highlighted childhood trauma as a significant predictor of Conversion Disorder. Childhood trauma had significant negative relationshipwith self-esteem. Childhood trauma pertaining to parental rejection wasa negative predictor of low self-esteem. Independent sample t-test showed that the individuals with childhood trauma hadhigher scores on irrational beliefs inventory than the general population. Individuals withchildhood trauma scored high on worrying, problem avoidance, rigidity, demand for approval and emotional irresponsibility than individuals who did not report any experience of trauma.Childhoodtrauma was a significant predictor of Conversion Disorderin adulthood. Individuals with a history of trauma in early childhood reportedlow self-esteem Individuals with childhood trauma scored high on worry subscale of irrational beliefs inventory.