The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Metacognitions and Sexual Quality of Life in Female Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

This cross-sectional study investigates the associations between childhood trauma, metacognitions, and sexual quality of life in women with major depressive disorder (MDD). The sample included 91 sexually active women with MDD and 99 healthy controls. Participants completed the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21), Childhood Trauma Scale (CTQ-33), Metacognition Scale (MCQ-30), and Sexual Quality of Life Scale-Female (SQOLF). Structural equation modeling revealed that childhood trauma was directly associated with reduced sexual quality of life and also had an indirect effect through increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, no significant indirect effect was observed through metacognitions. Childhood trauma significantly predicted DASS-21 (<i>β</i> = .44, <i>p</i> < .001), MCQ-30 (<i>β</i> = .36, <i>p</i> < .001), and SQOL-F (<i>β</i> = -.35, <i>p</i> < .001). Depression, anxiety, and stress were negatively associated with sexual quality of life (<i>β</i> = -.28, <i>p</i> = .014), while MCQ-30 showed no significant impact (<i>β</i> = .09, <i>p</i> = .388).