Identification of Childhood Trauma Risk Factors and Strategies and Outcomes of Breaking its Cycle

Abstract

The present study aims to identify the risk factors of childhood trauma along with strategies and outcomes of breaking its cycle, using grounded theory and the DEMATEL model. Grounded theory allows for a deeper, interpretive exploration of the phenomenological and interactive processes shaping childhood trauma, emphasizing the roles of causal, contextual, and intervening factors in individual experiences, as well as modeling adaptive strategies and outcomes from disrupting this cycle. Findings from grounded theory revealed that physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and economic exploitation are the main factors of childhood trauma, with emotional abuse having the greatest impact. Contextual factors such as family, economy, culture, and discrimination also play significant roles, with family being the most influential. Among intervening factors, interpersonal, socio-structural, cultural-spiritual, and technological-media protections were identified as significant, with interpersonal protection having the highest impact. Recommended strategies include strengthening early identification systems, enacting stronger protective laws, providing trauma-sensitive specialized services, changing cultural attitudes, offering economic and social support, empowering children, and conducting continuous research to break the cycle of childhood trauma.