Volume 20, Issue 2 (3-2026)                   bjcp 2026, 20(2): 34-45 | Back to browse issues page

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Predicting the Meaning of Life Based on Childhood Traumas Among the Students of the University of Isfahan: The Mediating Role of Forgiveness
Zahra Karimi1 , Hamidreza Oreyzi Samani *2
1- Master Student of Cognitive Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2- Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran , hamidoreyzi59@gmail.com
Abstract:   (93 Views)
The present study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and meaning in life in adulthood, with the mediating role of forgiveness. This research employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of students at the University of Isfahan during the first half of 1404 (2025–2026). From this population, 270 students were selected through convenience sampling and completed the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF). Data were analyzed using SEM. The results indicated that childhood trauma had a significant negative effect on meaning in life (β=−0.32) and forgiveness (β=−0.52). In addition, forgiveness showed a significant positive effect on meaning in life (β=0.75, p<0.05). Furthermore, forgiveness played a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and meaning in life (β=−0.39, p<0.05), and could attenuate the negative impact of trauma. The proposed conceptual model accounted for 79% of the variance in meaning in life, and the model fit indices were within acceptable ranges. Therefore, it can be concluded that childhood trauma influences meaning in life in adulthood both directly and indirectly through the mediating role of forgiveness. These findings highlight the importance of forgiveness in mitigating the adverse effects of childhood trauma and may provide guidance for the development of psychological interventions and therapeutic programs.
Keywords: Childhood Traumas, Meaning of Life, Forgiveness
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/08/18 | Revised: 2026/06/12 | Accepted: 2026/06/12 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/06/12 | Published: 2026/07/27
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