The impact of adverse childhood experiences and positive thoughts in depression, anxiety, and stress: a comparative study between people convicted of sex offenses and the general population

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are often related to symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in adulthood. Positive thoughts can reduce these symptoms. This study compares a sample of people convicted of sex offenses with a sample of the general population on ACEs, symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and positive thoughts, and analyzes the predictors of anxiety, depression, and stress. The sample comprises 168 people convicted of sex offenses and 213 participants from the general population who responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire, the ACE Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and the Positive Thinking Skills Scale (PTSS). Negative correlations were found between PTSS and ACEs and between PTSS, ACEs, and depression. People convicted of sex offenses have higher ACEs and DASS scores. People convicted of child sexual abuse have higher scores on parental divorce, while people convicted of rape have higher levels of PTSS. Marital status and mental illness or suicide in the family are predictors of psychopathological symptoms, and emotional neglect is also a significant predictor of stress. This study reinforces the need for a comprehensive approach to preventing crime and for developing preventive programs with youth to avoid psychopathological symptoms in adulthood.