Abstract

This study aimed to examine the structural model of the mediating role of negative problem orientation in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder among university students. The present research was descriptive-correlational and employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all students of Mizan Higher Education Institute in Tabriz during the academic year of 2024-2025. The sample consisted of 300 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data collection instruments included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (7-GAD), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Negative Problem Orientation Questionnaire (NPOQ). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling via SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 21. The findings revealed that adverse childhood experiences predicted 18.9% of the variance in negative problem orientation and, together with it, 42.3% of the variance in generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. The direct effects of childhood trauma on generalized anxiety disorder (β=0.365) and on negative problem orientation (β=0.435) were significant. Additionally, negative problem orientation had a significant direct effect on generalized anxiety disorder (β = 0.403), and its mediating role was confirmed with an effect size of β=0.175. Based on these results, it can be concluded that adverse childhood experiences play a significant role in increasing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder both directly and indirectly through the mediation of negative problem orientation. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding cognitive and emotional processes in the development of anxiety disorders and highlight the necessity of addressing maladaptive cognitive patterns in clinical interventions.