Childhood trauma and depressive symptoms among orphaned children in Rwanda: parallel mediation by perceived social support and loneliness

Abstract

Background: Childhood trauma experiences are widely linked with depressive symptoms, especially among orphaned children in low-resource settings like Rwanda. These children often face multiple adversities, increasing their vulnerability to mental health issues. However, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating role of perceived social support and loneliness in the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 417 orphaned children aged between 10 and 18 years (M: 13.6, SD: 2.65), conveniently selected from the Gasabo district. Data were collected using standardized instruments to assess loneliness, perceived social support, depression symptoms, and childhood trauma. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 29.2); with mediation analyses performed using the PROCESS macro (Version 4.0). Results: Individual mediation analysis revealed that perceived social support and loneliness partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma experiences and depressive symptoms. In the parallel mediation model, both perceived social support and loneliness fully mediated the relationship between childhood trauma experiences and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The findings highlight the significant roles of perceived social support and loneliness as mediators in the relationship between childhood trauma experiences and depressive symptoms. The findings contribute to evidence-based interventions, informing mental health policies, therapeutic strategies, and social support programs tailored to orphaned children.