Adverse childhood experiences and mental health in emerging adults: The role of protective factors

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent and associated with poorer mental health, yet less is known about whether protective factors buffer these effects during emerging adulthood. Objective This study sought to examine associations between ACEs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and to test whether benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), self-compassion, and social support moderated these associations. Participants and setting 2470 undergraduate students ( M = 19.26 years old; SD = 1.59; 69.66% women) participated in an online survey-based study. Method Participants completed measures of anxiety and depression symptoms, BCEs, self-compassion, and social support. Results Structural equation modeling showed that ACEs were associated with higher anxiety (β = .30) and depressive symptoms (β = .35). Self-compassion and social support were associated with lower symptom levels (β = −.42 and β = −.12, respectively), whereas BCEs showed limited variability. Contrary to our buffering hypotheses, neither self-compassion nor social support moderated the association between ACEs and internalizing symptoms. Conclusions Our findings suggest that protective factors are associated with better mental health outcomes in a manner consistent with an additive rather than a buffering pattern of effects.