THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILDHOOD MENTAL TRAUMA AND EGO DEFENSE MECHANISMI

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between childhood psychological traumas and ego defense mechanisms. The study was carried out in the Faculty of Administrative and Social Sciences of the Istanbul Gelişim University in the 2017-2018 academic year, from 1000 students studying in different departments. Data were collected using Participant Form, Childhood Trauma Scale, and Defense Mechanism scales. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 package program, independent sample t test, regression analysis and pearson correlation analysis. As a result of the study, it was found that those who had childhood trauma had a significant difference in the level of use of immature and navrotic defense form compared to those without trauma; the form of immune defense of emotional abuse and emotional neglect positively and significantly; the mature defense form of physical abuse is positive, the mature defense form of emotional neglect is negative and meaningful; it has been found that physical neglect predicts the neurotic defense form positively and significantly. The results may contribute to strengthening the functional use of ego defense mechanisms in clinical trials of individuals with childhood traumatic experiences.