Testing a sequential path analysis from early complex trauma to regulation of psychological needs

Classical and contemporary theoretical approaches emphasize that significant events during childhood have important implications throughout life regarding developmental psychopathology and psychological health. Previous research has shown significant associations between early complex trauma, affective temperament, and maladaptive parenting with symptomatology. However, how trauma experiences are amplified and/or augmented and how they impact the regulation of psychological needs remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to explore a sequential path model from early complex trauma to psychological needs with multiple mediators. Data were collected from a convenience sample (N = 644) who responded to several questionnaires in a cross-sectional design. Early complex trauma correlated positively with early maladaptive schemas and affective temperament. A significant sequential path model showed that early complex trauma is related to difficulties in the regulation of psychological needs, with significant contributions from affective temperament, maladaptive parenting, and early maladaptive schemas. Results support the notion that several variables may mediate relationships between trauma experiences and the regulation of psychological needs. Implications for the development of an integrative early disorder determinants theory are discussed.