Maher Institute Inc Iranian Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 3115-848X 5 2026 05 01 The Mediating Role of Shame Proneness and Defensive Communication in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Partner Criticism Sensitivity The Mediating Role of Shame Proneness and Defensive Communication in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Partner Criticism Sensitivity 1 10 EN Maryam Naghvi MA, Department of Clinical Psychology, Electronic Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 12 10 <p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The present study aimed to examine whether shame proneness and defensive communication mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and partner criticism sensitivity in adults.</p> <p><strong>Methods and Materials:</strong> This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of adults residing in Tehran, Iran, who were currently in a romantic relationship or had experienced one within the past year. A total of 412 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized self-report instruments, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA) for measuring shame proneness, a Defensive Communication Scale, and the Perceived Criticism Sensitivity Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and AMOS for structural equation modeling. Model fit indices and bootstrapping procedures were used to assess direct and indirect effects.</p> <p><strong>Findings:</strong> The results of structural equation modeling indicated that childhood trauma had a significant positive effect on shame proneness (β = 0.51, p &lt; 0.001), defensive communication (β = 0.29, p &lt; 0.001), and partner criticism sensitivity (β = 0.17, p = 0.001). Shame proneness significantly predicted defensive communication (β = 0.38, p &lt; 0.001) and partner criticism sensitivity (β = 0.34, p &lt; 0.001), while defensive communication significantly predicted partner criticism sensitivity (β = 0.41, p &lt; 0.001). Bootstrapping analysis confirmed significant indirect effects of childhood trauma on partner criticism sensitivity through shame proneness (β = 0.17), defensive communication (β = 0.12), and sequential mediation via both variables (β = 0.08), indicating partial mediation. The overall model demonstrated good fit (χ²/df = 2.41, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, NFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.058).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings demonstrate that shame proneness and defensive communication serve as significant mediating mechanisms linking childhood trauma to partner criticism sensitivity.</p> https://www.maherpub.com/index.php/jndd/article/download/746/649