Childhood trauma and anxiety symptoms among Chinese university students: the moderating and mediating roles of mindfulness

Abstract

Background: Extensive research has established the adverse impact of childhood trauma on the mental distress. However, the potential moderating and mediating effect of mindfulness on these associations remains relatively unexplored among university students. This study aimed to examine the relationships between childhood trauma and anxiety symptoms and investigate whether mindfulness plays a buffering and mediating role in this relationship among Chinese university students. Methods: A total of 2,087 university students with random cluster sampling method were recruited from three comprehensive universities in Guangzhou, China, from April to May 2021. The multiple logistic regression and robust linear regression were conducted to identify associations between childhood trauma and anxiety symptoms, and the moderating and mediating roles of mindfulness. Results: Adjusting for covariates, the multiple logistic regression models revealed that participants who reported 1 to 2 types and 3 to 5 types of childhood trauma were 1.58 (95% CI: 1.29–1.93) and 3.66 (95% CI: 2.63–5.09·) times more likely to report anxiety symptoms compared to those with no trauma history, respectively. The result of the robust linear regression indicated that mindfulness moderated the relationship between childhood trauma and anxiety symptoms (β = 0.002, 95% CI: 0.001–0.004). The 500-sample bootstrap analysis confirmed that the indirect effect of mindfulness between childhood trauma and anxiety symptoms was significant (β = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01–0.03). Conclusion: Mindfulness emerges as a promising protective factor, anticipated to alleviate anxiety symptoms, bolster psychological resilience, and enhance coping mechanisms.