Comparative analysis of psychological symptom levels and childhood traumas of adults with and without separation anxiety.

This article presents a comparative study examining psychological symptom levels and childhood traumas among adults with and without separation anxiety disorder in Istanbul, Türkiye. Using standardized measures—the Adult Separation Anxiety Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—the study found that adults with separation anxiety exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, negative self-concept, somatization, and hostility. Additionally, this group reported greater experiences of childhood traumas, specifically emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse, compared to those without separation anxiety. The findings suggest a notable association between adult separation anxiety and both elevated psychological distress and adverse childhood experiences.