The role of sense of control and rumination in the association between childhood trauma and depression

Recent research has primarily focused on elucidating the role of specific cognitive vulnerability factors in the intricate relationship between childhood trauma and depression. To advance existing research by integrating two prominent cognitive theories of depression (the Beck's cognitive theory and hopelessness theory), this study proposed a moderated mediation model aimed at investigating the mediating role of the sense of control and the moderating effect of rumination in this complex association. A sample of 1,091 college students (comprising 436 males; age range 17-25) was recruited through poster advertisements and a snowball sampling approach. Participants voluntarily engaged in the study and completed a battery of assessments, including measures of depression, childhood trauma, sense of control, and rumination. Our findings suggest that childhood trauma affects depression not only directly but also indirectly through the mediating influence of the sense of control. Furthermore, the result reveals that the mediating role of the sense of control is moderated by the intensity of rumination. Specifically, this mediating effect is more pronounced among college students with higher levels of rumination. The outcomes of this investigation provide prospective empirical support, suggesting that the loss of control and rumination may serve as viable targets for preventative and interventional measures in addressing depression among individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. This research enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between cognitive determinants and depression, informing future research in this critical domain of mental health.