Mood Emot.  2022 Nov;20(3):52-58. 10.35986/me.2022.20.3.52.

Effects of Positive Psychological Resources on the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Depressive Symptoms in University Students

• Kim J
• Yoo DK
• Yang HJ
• Moon DS
• Kang NR
• Park JH
• Kim MD
• Jung YE

• KMID: 2538398
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.35986/me.2022.20.3.52

Abstract

Background
This study was conducted to examine the effect of adverse childhood experiences on depressive symptoms in university students and to verify whether positive psychological resources act as a protective factor for depression.
Methods
Data from 1,317 young adults aged 18-29 years who took part in the university-based cross-sectional survey were analyzed. All participants completed self-report questionnaires that included demographic variables, the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Positive Resources Test.
Results
The incidence of depression was 33.3% and was higher in women than in men. Based on the 10 ACE categories, 32.7% of the students reported one or more adverse childhood experiences, and 14.4% reported two or more forms of adverse childhood experiences. Students with depressive symptoms were likely to report more traumatic experiences in childhood and fewer positive psychological resources than those without depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that positive psychological resources moderated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and depression.
Conclusion
Based on these results, professionals should consider identifying adverse childhood experiences early and provide active mental health service support, including positive psychological and social resources for individuals who have adverse experiences during childhood.

Keyword

Adverse childhood experience; Depressive symptoms; Positive psychological resources