Correlations between childhood trauma and depression, anxiety, and stress levels in nurses

This study aims to determine correlations between childhood trauma and depression, anxiety, and stress levels in nurses. This cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses in Turkey from August to September 2022. A total of 395 nurses were included in the study. Data were collected through an online survey using a personal information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21). The mean score of the CTQ-28 total scale was 51.6, and emotional neglect was the most common type of abuse. The prevalence of moderate-to-extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was 34.7 %, 42.2 %, and 18.3 %, respectively. Emotional abuse and emotional neglect subscales of the CTQ were independently related to all three DASS subscale scores. This study revealed that the emotional abuse and neglect experienced in childhood are related to the nurses' current stress, anxiety, and depression levels. •Average score of nurses from the childhood trauma scale was 51.6•General prevalence of moderate to very severe depression, anxiety, and stress among nurses was respectively 34.7%, 42.2%, and 18.3%•Emotional neglect and abuse experienced by nurses in childhood affect their current depression, anxiety, and stress levels