Bisan Musa, Emmanuel Japheth Eze, Precious Aladi Ameh

Keywords: Trauma, counseling services, undergraduate students, antisocial, childhood

Abstract

This study examines how traumatic childhood experiences influence interpersonal relationships and criminal behaviour among undergraduate students at the University of Jos. Using a descriptive survey design, the study assessed childhood trauma as the independent variable and interpersonal relationship patterns and criminal behaviour as dependent variables. Two hundred students (100 males and 100 females), aged 16 to 28, were selected from the Faculties of Social Sciences, Education, Arts, Management Sciences, and Natural Sciences to ensure diverse representation. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Interpersonal Relationship Scale (IRS), and the Self-Report Delinquency Scale (SRDS). Three hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product–Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results revealed a strong, significant relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and interpersonal relationship difficulties (r = .876, p < .01). Similarly, traumatic experiences were significantly associated with higher tendencies toward criminal or antisocial behaviour (r = .876, p <.01). Regression results further showed that childhood trauma significantly predicted both interpersonal difficulties and criminal behaviour (r = .520, p < .01). The study concludes that childhood trauma negatively affects undergraduate students’ relationships with others and increase the likelihood of antisocial or criminal behaviour. The study recommends that the University of Jos Management should adopt trauma-informed support systems, strengthen counseling services, and develop programmes that enhance students’ interpersonal skills while reducing behavioural risks linked to early trauma.

Author Biography

Bisan Musa, Emmanuel Japheth Eze, Precious Aladi Ameh

University of Jos, Nigeria

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