The Relationship Between Trauma History and Emotion Dysregulation: The Moderating Role of Locus of Control

Abstract

Background: Trauma profoundly affects psychological well-being and increases the risk of mental health disorders. Past research highlights its impact on emotion regulation (ER) and locus of control (LoC). Understanding the role of perceived control can guide effective interventions for trauma survivors. Objectives: This study examined how LoC moderates the relationship between trauma history (TH) and emotion dysregulation, shedding light on factors influencing resilience and coping mechanisms. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 359 adults aged 18 - 57 (26.14 ± 7.06), recruited via accessible, non-random sampling through social media platforms such as Twitter, ResearchGate, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Telegram between September 2024 and January 2025. Participants completed the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16), Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses to assess the moderating role of LoC, using Hayes's PROCESS macro-model 1 with a 95% confidence level. Results: Trauma-experienced adults (n = 359), predominantly female (80.8%) and with ≥ undergraduate degree (44.1%), showed that those with an external LoC scored higher on ER difficulties than individuals with an internal locus. An external LoC was also associated with greater trauma exposure. Additionally, TH explained 26% of the variance in ER, increasing to 30.6% when LoC was added, with the interaction term contributing 1.1%. The overall model accounted for 77% of the variance. Physical and sexual assault significantly predicted ER (ΔR² = 0.026), and LoC made an independent contribution (ΔR² = 0.04). Interaction effects confirmed that LoC moderates trauma’s impact on emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of perceived control in recovery. Conclusions: This study underscores the crucial role of an internal LoC in facilitating ER following traumatic experiences. From a clinical perspective, enhancing a trauma survivor’s sense of personal agency — through targeted interventions such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, empowerment practices, or mindfulness-based strategies — may lead to improved emotional outcomes. Limitations of the current research include its cross-sectional design and dependence on self-reported data. To build on these findings, future studies should employ longitudinal and multi-method approaches, examine diverse populations, consider varying trauma severities, and assess the efficacy of specific interventions aimed at strengthening internal LoC.