Disturbances of self-concept in young adults exposed to psychological traumatization as targets for psychotherapeutic intervention

Abstract

Objective: This pilot study aims to identify disturbances of self-concept in young adults exposed to psychological traumatization to determine potential targets for psychotherapeutic interventions focused on correcting personality functioning.

Methods: The sample consisted of 51 individuals aged 18–23 years, with a mean age of 19.255 ± 1.214, including 28 females and 23 males. The differentiation criterion was the results of the Life Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ): the experimental group included 22 participants who had experienced psychological traumatization of various origins (natural disasters, domestic violence, road traffic accidents, robberies), and the control group included 29 participants with no history of psychological traumatization. The following instruments were used: Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS); the Self-Image Variability Assessment; the classical version of the Dembo-Rubinstein Self-Esteem Test; the Self-Attitude Questionnaire; and the Behavioral Self-Regulation Style Questionnaire (BSSQ). For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r) were applied.

Results: The level of self-concept clarity in young adults exposed to psychological traumatization is significantly lower than in those who have not encountered traumatic experiences; they also demonstrate an undifferentiated variability of self-image. The experimental sample is characterized by moderately formed self-representation, relative consistency of its components, and stability over time. They also show medium and low values of the general level of self-regulation, which may indicate the negative impact of psychological traumatization on self-regulation mechanisms. Half of the respondents from the experimental sample exhibit a pronounced feeling “for oneself“, indicating their ability to withstand negative influences and maintain a positive attitude towards themselves. The other half experiences the opposite feeling — “against oneself“. This may be related to exposure to more serious psychological traumas that evoke negative emotions and doubts about their own worth.

Conclusions: The formation and strengthening of positive self-attitude, increasing the clarity of self-concept, and training self-regulation skills are important components in psychotherapeutic work with the consequences of psychologically traumatic events.