Authors: Athari A. Alselmi , Hossam Ahmed Abo Saif , Lujain Saleh Alahmadi , Ahmed Mahmoud Hassan , Ghadi Abdullah Alsaadi , Tasneem Ashraf Saad , Rafaa Mowsen , Sarah Saleh Alamri , Alia Abdullah Alamri , Bassam Omar Abobakr

Abstract

Background: Child abuse is a major public health concern with long-term consequences on psychological well-being. Despite growing global evidence, limited research has explored its impact on psychological stability within the Saudi Arabian context. This study aimed to examine the relationship between childhood abuse and psychological stability among young adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 210 adults aged 18-29 years. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables, a Childhood Abuse Exposure Scale, and a Psychological Stability Scale. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation, linear regression, and independent t-tests, were performed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: A significant negative relationship was observed between childhood abuse and psychological stability (r = −0.71, p < 0.001), indicating that higher exposure to childhood abuse was associated with lower levels of psychological stability. Regression analysis showed that childhood abuse was a significant predictor of psychological stability, explaining approximately 51% of the variance (R² = 0.51). Male participants reported higher levels of childhood abuse, whereas female participants demonstrated higher psychological stability scores (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Childhood abuse is significantly associated with reduced psychological stability in adulthood. Early identification, prevention strategies, and trauma-informed interventions are essential to mitigate its long-term psychological effects.

Keywords: Child abuse, Childhood trauma, Psychological stability, Mental health, Adulthood, Saudi Arabia.