Childhood Emotional Maltreatment and Adult Psychological Distress Symptoms: The Role of Irrational and Rational Beliefs

The association between emotional maltreatment in childhood and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood is well documented in the existing literature. Given the available evidence, it is important to examine the factors that contribute to the association between childhood emotional maltreatment and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood. The current study examined the role of vulnerability of irrational beliefs and the protective role of rational beliefs in the relationship between childhood emotional maltreatment and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood. A total of 342 participants (M_age = 37.38, SD = 10.71, age range: 18–65) participated in the present study. Participants completed questionnaires on childhood emotional maltreatment, psychological distress symptoms (anxiety and depression), and irrational/rational beliefs. The current findings suggest that irrational and rational beliefs moderate the association between childhood emotional maltreatment and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood. The results also suggest that high levels of rational beliefs buffer psychological distress against the interaction effect of emotional maltreatment and irrational beliefs. The current study provides some evidence for rational emotive and behavioral therapy by demonstrating the role of irrational and rational beliefs in the relationship between early stressful life events and later psychological symptomatology.