Unpacking The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: A Correlational Study

Abstract

This empirical study delves into the intricate relationship between childhood trauma and the development of empathy and emotional intelligence in adulthood. Using a correlational design, the study examines the nuanced ways in which early life experiences of trauma can significantly impact an individual’s capacity to accurately perceive and respond to the emotional states of others, as well as regulate their own emotional experiences. The study involved a sample of 100 participants, aged between 18 and 60 years old, who completed a battery of standardized questionnaires measuring childhood trauma, empathy, and emotional intelligence. The results showed that while the relation between childhood trauma and emotional intelligence is thought to be statistically significant, the correlation between childhood trauma and empathy is not. Particularly, it was discovered that those who had experienced severe levels of childhood trauma had slightly higher levels of emotional intelligence and empathy than those who had experienced low or moderate levels. These results imply that childhood trauma may have a long-term effect on a person’s understanding and control of their emotions as well as their capacity for empathy. Limitations, Implications for clinical interventions and future research are discussed.