The Mediating Role of Psychological Security in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Optimistic Attitudes towards Marriage

This study aimed to determine the mediating role of psychological security in the relationship between childhood trauma and optimistic attitudes towards marriage among university students. The research method was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population included all students aged 18 to 35 at Ardakan University during the academic year 2022-2023. A sample of 230 students selected by convenience method, and they completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Psychological Security Scale, and the Attitudes towards Marriage Scale. Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. The direct effect of childhood trauma on psychological security and optimistic attitude towards marriage was negative and significant, whereas its subscales, emotional neglect showed the highest and physical abuse the lowest correlation with a positive attitude towards marriage, while the direct effect of psychological security on optimistic attitude towards marriage was positive and significant. Furthermore, the indirect effect of childhood trauma on optimistic attitude towards marriage through the mediation of psychological security was also significant. Therefore, considering these factors in the design of interventional programs can help improve individuals' perspectives on marriage and reduce the negative effects of childhood trauma by enhancing psychological security.