Mediating effect of stress on the association between early trauma and psychological distress in Korean college students: a cross-sectional observational study

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Despite the increase of studies into the predictors of psychological distress, few have attempted to address the mediation of stress in the relationship between early trauma and psychological distress. What does this paper add to existing knowledge? In this study, college students with trauma exposure before the age of 18 years reported high levels of college life stress and psychological distress. In addition, of the subcategories of early trauma, emotional abuse was most highly correlated with current stress and psychological distress. This paper confirmed the partial mediating effect of stress between early trauma and psychological distress among Korean college students. In other words, this study found a direct effect of early trauma on current psychological distress and an indirect effect of early trauma on psychological distress mediated through life stress. What are the implications for practice? Early trauma and stress should be considered when developing interventions for college students' mental health, although individuals with trauma exposure have difficulties disclosing their traumatic event. Therefore, we suggest that stress management may be easier to apply and more effective in promoting college students' mental health than trauma-focused interventions. Abstract Introduction Research has shown that early trauma and stress may affect current psychological distress. However, few studies have attempted to address the mediation of stress between early trauma and psychological distress. Aim This cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine the mediating effects of stress on the association between early trauma and psychological distress in Korean college students. Method Participants included 216 college students (51.4% male) who completed self-report questionnaires assessing early trauma, college life stress, and psychological distress. ResultsEarly trauma, stress, and psychological distress were significantly correlated. Of the subcategories of early trauma, emotional abuse was most highly correlated with stress and psychological distress. The bootstrapping results indicate that stress is a partial mediator between early trauma and psychological distress after controlling for covariates including socioeconomic status, habitation status, and gender. Discussion The results imply that both early trauma and stress should be considered when developing interventions for college students' mental health. However, individuals with trauma exposure tend to have difficulties disclosing their traumatic event. Therefore, we suggest that stress management may be more feasible and effective in promoting college students' mental health than trauma-focused interventions.