Relationship between Childhood Traumatic Experiences, Psychological Distress and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Symptoms among Young Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Research evidences in the past have shown that childhood traumatic experiences and psychological distress have a significant relationship with obsessive compulsive personality disorder symptoms. The current study assessed the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences, psychological distress and obsessive compulsive personality symptoms among young adults during COVID- 19. The study also measured the impact of childhood trauma and psychological distress on obsessive compulsive personality symptoms during pandemic. In this cross sectional study, the sample consisted of 300 (Male=86; Females=214) participants, selected from four universities of Pakistan (Rawalpindi & Islamabad). Psychological distress was assessed with Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21), childhood traumatic experiences were measured with Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CATS).Furthermore obsessive compulsive personality traits were assessed with Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (PDQ-4). Results revealed that 42.3% participants reported childhood traumatic experiences, 55.6% reported symptoms of depression, 40.6 % showed the symptoms of anxiety and 51.6 % experienced symptoms of stress during pandemic. While 40 % were identified with obsessive compulsive personality traits/symptoms. Significant relationship was also found between Childhood traumatic experiences, psychological distress and obsessive compulsive personality symptoms among young adults during the pandemic. (p<.001). Findings showed that anxiety, stress, and negative childhood experiences were identified as most significant predictors of the obsessive compulsive personality symptoms among young adults after controlling for demographic variable. The current study emphasized the importance of childhood traumatic experiences and psychological distress in the development and management of obsessive compulsive personality symptoms during Pandemic.