Cumulative childhood trauma and life satisfaction in men: The role of complex posttraumatic stress and its dimensions

Background: Cumulative childhood interpersonal trauma (CCIT) a represents an endemic phenomenon with lasting and harmful effects. However, male victimization remains overlooked and even taboo. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in understanding the long-term impact of CCIT on well-being. Objective: This study aimed to examine the role of C-PTSD and its specific dimensions of symptoms in the relationship between CCIT and life satisfaction in a clinical sample of men seeking mental health services. Participants and setting: Data were collected from 399 men who sought help from a community organization due to psychological distress. Methods: Upon admission, participants completed validated measures assessing CCIT, C-PTSD, and life satisfaction. A path analysis was conducted to investigate the contribution of the different dimensions of C-PTSD in the link between CCIT and life satisfaction. Results: According to the thresholds of the questionnaires, 34.1 % of participants met the criteria for PTSD, 23.8 % met the diagnostic criteria for C-PTSD, and 52.4 % reported being dissatisfied with their lives. Path analysis results indicated that two dimensions of C-PTSD significantly mediated the relationship between CCIT and life satisfaction: negative self-concept ((3 = -0.110, p = .000; 95 % CI [-0.070, -0.160]) and interpersonal disturbances ((3 = -0.075, p = .001; 95 % CI [-0.036, -0.123]). The model explained 33.5 % of the variance in life satisfaction. Conclusions: The findings highlight the central role of C-PTSD symptoms, particularly in identity and relational aspects, as key mechanisms related to adaptation. These results support the implementation of trauma-sensitive practices that address survivors' identity and relational disturbances to better meet the needs of male survivors.