A Comparative Study of Psychological Distress and Self-Compassion among Young Adults with Varying Levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be associated with psychological functioning in young adulthood. This study examined differences in psychological distress and self-compassion between young adults with lower and higher levels of adverse childhood experiences and explored associations among these variables. Methods: A quantitative comparative-correlational design was used with 200 young adults recruited through convenience sampling. The sample comprised 100 participants in the lower-CAE group and 100 in the higher-CAE group. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Childhood Adverse Experiences Questionnaire (CAQ) were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and Pearson?s product-moment correlations. Results: The higher-CAE group reported significantly greater psychological distress (M = 29.53, SD = 8.74) than the lower-CAE group (M = 24.43, SD = 8.31), t(198) = -4.23, p < .001, with the mean difference calculated as lower minus higher. The lower-CAE group reported significantly higher self-compassion (M = 88.00, SD = 20.58) than the higher-CAE group (M = 76.85, SD = 19.16), t(198) = 3.97, p < .001. ACE scores were positively correlated with psychological distress (r = .378, p < .001) and negatively correlated with self-compassion (r = -.394, p < .001). Self-compassion was negatively correlated with psychological distress (r = -.416, p < .001). Conclusions: The findings indicate significant group differences and associations among ACEs, psychological distress, and self-compassion in this sample. The correlational and comparative design does not establish causation.