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. 2023 Mar 31:1-17.
doi: 10.1007/s42844-023-00094-0. Online ahead of print.

Relationships Among Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences, Emotion Dysregulation, and Psychopathology Symptoms

Tatum Feiler  1 , Sarah Vanacore  1 , Christyn Dolbier  1
Affiliations

Relationships Among Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences, Emotion Dysregulation, and Psychopathology Symptoms

Tatum Feiler et al. Advers Resil Sci. .

Abstract

This cross-sectional study sought to examine adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), and emotion dysregulation as they relate to psychopathology symptoms (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety, depression) in university students in emerging adulthood. Students at a United States university (N = 1,498) completed an online survey during the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. Measures include the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, Patient Health Questionnaire 8, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Scale. ACEs significantly related to greater symptoms and positive screens for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. BCEs significantly related to fewer symptoms and positive screens for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Emotion dysregulation was a significant mediator of relationships between ACEs and all symptom types (direct and indirect effects were both significant, supporting partial mediation). Emotion dysregulation was a significant partial mediator of relationships between BCEs and all symptom types (direct and indirect effects were both significant, supporting partial mediation). Results showed significant small moderation effects of BCEs on the relationships of ACEs-emotion dysregulation, ACEs-depression symptoms, ACEs-anxiety symptoms, and emotion dysregulation-PTSD symptoms. Implications for colleges and universities are discussed.

Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; Benevolent childhood experiences; Emotion dysregulation; Psychopathology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestNone.Competing InterestsThe authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Conceptual model for direct relationships of ACEs and BCEs and emotion dysregulation mediation
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Conceptual model for moderated mediation
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
BCEs moderation of ACEs-emotion dysregulation
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
BCEs moderation of ACEs-depression symptoms relationship
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
BCEs moderation of ACEs-anxiety symptoms relationship
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
BCEs moderation of emotion dysregulation-PTSD symptoms relationship
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. American College Health Association. (2022). National College Health Assessment II: Undergraduate student reference group executive summary fall 2021. American College Health Association.

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