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Volume 25, Issue 164 (10-2026)
Journal of Psychological Science 2026, 25(164): 1-21 |
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Rezaei Motlagh F, Goodarzi M A, Taghavi M, Imani M. (2026). Structural Equation Modeling of the Relationship between Executive Function Deficits and Complex Trauma Mediated by Pathological Personality Traits in Iranian Women. , Journal of Psychological Science. 25(164), : 2 doi:10.66224/jps.25.164.2
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3256-en.html
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3256-en.html
Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. , mgoodarzi@shirazu.ac.ir
Abstract: (419 Views)
Background: Executive functions encompass fundamental processes essential for goal-directed behavior. Research evidence indicates that these deficits may develop as a result of complex trauma stemming from childhood maltreatment, lead to profound psychological consequences, particularly among women. However, the manner in which complex trauma affects executive functioning, and the mediating role of maladaptive personality traits in transmitting this effect, has not yet been directly examined.
Aims: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of pathological personality traits on the relationship between complex childhood trauma and everyday executive function deficits among Iranian women.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive–correlational design and was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study sample consisted of 254 female university students from Shiraz University, selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(Bernstein et al., 2003), the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (Barkley, 2011), and the short form of the DSM-5 Personality Inventory (Krueger et al., 2012). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and AMOS version 24.
Results: The results indicated that deficits in executive functioning were directly and significantly predicted by complex trauma in women (β = 0.355, p < 0.001). In addition, pathological personality traits, as a mediating variable, played a significant role in the relationship between complex trauma and executive function deficits, such that this relationship was also significant indirectly (β = 0.19, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study indicates that executive function deficits in women are influenced by complex trauma, with pathological personality traits playing a determining role in transmitting and explaining this effect. The results underscore the importance of simultaneously screening for executive function difficulties and maladaptive personality patterns in women with a history of complex trauma, as well as integrating treatment for maladaptive personality patterns and interventions targeting executive function deficits in this population.
Aims: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of pathological personality traits on the relationship between complex childhood trauma and everyday executive function deficits among Iranian women.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive–correlational design and was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study sample consisted of 254 female university students from Shiraz University, selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(Bernstein et al., 2003), the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (Barkley, 2011), and the short form of the DSM-5 Personality Inventory (Krueger et al., 2012). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and AMOS version 24.
Results: The results indicated that deficits in executive functioning were directly and significantly predicted by complex trauma in women (β = 0.355, p < 0.001). In addition, pathological personality traits, as a mediating variable, played a significant role in the relationship between complex trauma and executive function deficits, such that this relationship was also significant indirectly (β = 0.19, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study indicates that executive function deficits in women are influenced by complex trauma, with pathological personality traits playing a determining role in transmitting and explaining this effect. The results underscore the importance of simultaneously screening for executive function difficulties and maladaptive personality patterns in women with a history of complex trauma, as well as integrating treatment for maladaptive personality patterns and interventions targeting executive function deficits in this population.
Article number: 2
Keywords: executive function deficits, complex trauma, athological personality traits, mediation, structural equation modeling.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/13 | Accepted: 2026/08/23 | Published: 2026/10/23
Received: 2025/12/13 | Accepted: 2026/08/23 | Published: 2026/10/23
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