Examination of the Trust and Self Efficacy Levels in the Romantic Relations of Married Individuals Who Were Exposed to Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse in Childhood

Abstract

In the study, it was examined whether physical, sexual and emotional abuse in the childhood, gender, duration of marriage and marriage style significantly predicted the trust and self-efficacy levels of married individuals in their romantic relationships. A total of 531 married individuals, took part in the research. In the study, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Dyadic Trust Scale and Self-Efficacy Scale in Spouse and Personal Information Form were used. Linear Regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The research findings demonstrate that physical, sexual and emotional abuse in childhood are significant predictors of the trust levels of married individuals in their romantic relationships. On the other hand, exposure to physical and emotional abuse in childhood significantly predict the self-efficacy levels of married individuals in romantic relationships, while sexual abuse in childhood does not. The results of the research are discussed in the light of relevant literature and some suggestions are presented.