This research examined the intricate relationship between childhood emotional abuse, neglect experiences, autobiographical memory traits, and negative self-concept in emerging adulthood. The study comprised 367 university students aged between 18 and 25. A cross-sectional design was conducted to analyze the relationship among variables. Data collection included demographic information, The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire assessed emotional abuse and neglect, Autobiographical Memory Characteristics Scale gauged memory features and the Brief Symptom Inventory measured negative self-concept. Preliminary analyses showed significant correlations between variables. Emotional abuse and neglect were positively correlated with negative self-concept and exhibited moderate positive associations with autobiographical memory characteristics. Specifically, emotional neglect demonstrated stronger positive correlations with memory characteristics compared to emotional abuse. Further analysis utilized structural equation modeling to examine the potential mediating roles of emotional abuse and neglect in the relationship between autobiographical memory features and negative self-concept. The model proposed emotional abuse and neglect as mediators between memory characteristics and negative self-concept, demonstrating a partial mediation effect. These findings underscore the intricate influence of childhood emotional maltreatment on autobiographical memory and self-concept in emerging adults. Understanding these connections helps elucidate the complexities of psychological outcomes associated with childhood trauma and memory processes during the formative years, highlighting implications for therapeutic interventions and support systems.