Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate to what extent childhood trauma affects suicide probability and self-esteem of university students.

Design and Methods

In this descriptive study, 3602 university students continuing their education in the 2019–2020 academic year were selected into the sample. The data in the study were collected using a personal information form, “Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)”, “Suicide Probability Scale (SPS)” and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The data were evaluated using appropriate statistical methods, and p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant.

Findings

In the study, students' mean scale scores of CTQ and SPS were found high (38.1 ± 13.7; 87.7 ± 10.7, respectively), and the RSES total mean scale score was found average (1.7 ± 1.4). CTQ total mean score was found to show a positive correlation between SPS and RSES total mean scores. It has been established that the past traumatic experiences of university students decrease self-esteem and are associated with suicide probability.

Practice Implications

Risk management programs for university students should be organized by determining the risk groups exposed to Childhood Trauma by psychiatric and child nurses.