Childhood Trauma and its Predictive Influence on Fear of Happiness and Suicidal Ideation Among Adult

Childhood trauma is a widely recognized well-established risk factor for later psychological distress, yet its influence on beliefs about happiness and suicidal ideation remains less understood in South Asian contexts. This study examined the predictive role childhood trauma plays in fear of happiness and suicidal ideation among 470 Pakistani adults aged 19–35. Standardized instruments, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Fear of Happiness Scale, and Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), were administered. Results showed that childhood trauma did not significantly predict fear of happiness and it appeared to be shaped more by cultural belief systems than past trauma. However, childhood trauma strongly predicted suicidal ideation, and fear of happiness was positively associated with suicidal thoughts. The results have suggested that while cultural narratives may drive fear of happiness, unresolved childhood trauma remains a key predictor of suicidal vulnerability. Culturally sensitive, trauma-informed interventions are crucial to addressing these intertwined risk factors.