Childhood traumatic experiences among students: A study of community-based risk factors

This study aimed to analyzed the influence of demographic, socio-economic, family, and community factors on childhood traumatic experiences among senior high school students in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. A cross-sectional observational design was conducted with 500 students selected through proportional stratified random sampling from public and private high schools. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF), Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and a structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, family structure, and history of domestic violence. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors. The results showed that a history of domestic violence was the strongest predictor of higher trauma scores (β = 0.304; p < .001), followed by low parental bonding (β = –0.255; p < .001), limited social support (β = –0.178; p = .003), and low family economic status (β = –0.223; p = .001). Female students reported higher trauma than males (β = 0.128; p = .021). Parental education and family size were also significant predictors. These findings highlight the combined influence of risk and protective factors and emphasize the need for multi-level, trauma-informed interventions in adolescent populations.