Relação entre a história de trauma na infância, bem-estar psicológico, recursos e comportamentos de risco nas mulheres, utentes da consulta de planeamento familiar

Abstract

The present study examine the relation between history of childhood trauma (physical and emotional abuse and sexual abuse), psychological well-being (depression and stress), resources (social support and self-efficacy) and the risk towards of sexually transmitted infections (STIs and number of partners), as well as the differences between female victims of trauma versus those female without history of trauma in childhood in a total population of 767 women, family planning consultation users. To assess the variables under study, it was proceeded to the application of the following questionnaires: Sociodemographic Questionnaire; Conservation of Resource Questionnaire; Depression Scale of Epidemiological Studies Center; Social Provisions Scale - Relationship Questionnaire; General Self-efficacy Scale; SDT Markers and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Women with history of abuse in childhood showed higher levels of stress and depression, with lower levels of social support, compared to women without a history of childhood trauma. No significant differences were found in terms of general self-efficacy, number of partners and STIs. There was a significant positive relationship between history of childhood trauma, depressive symptoms and stress. It was also found a negative relationship between history of childhood trauma and social support. Additionally, it was found that divorced women, separated or widowed have higher rates of history of childhood abuse, as well as unemployed women. Women with depressive symptoms have equally higher rates of history of childhood abuse. Moreover, women without religion or belonging to a religion other than Catholic presented higher rates of history of childhood abuse. This study showed that a history of childhood abuse has an impact on the psychological well-being of Portuguese women. Future studies should evaluate trauma histories in order to intervene individually or in groups in terms of depression, stress, social support, self-efficacy for the propose of victims recover and rehabilitate.

Date of Award	2015
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Eleonora C. V. Costa (Supervisor)