Childhood Experiences and Psychological Distress: Can Benevolent Childhood Experiences Counteract the Negative Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences?

Abstract

BackgroundChildhood experiences can exert a huge impact on adult psychological conditions. Previous studies have confirmed the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) on psychological distress (e.g., stress, depression, and suicidal ideation) separately, but few studies explored a combined effect of ACEs and BCEs on psychological distress. The aim of this study was to explore a combined effect of ACEs and BCEs on psychological distress among Chinese undergraduates.MethodsParticipants were undergraduates aged 17–24 years (N = 1,816) and completed a self-reported questionnaire. A series of regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between childhood experiences and psychological distress.ResultsA total of 65.7% of undergraduates had BCEs, 27.1% of undergraduates had ACEs, and 12.9% of undergraduates had ACEs and BCEs simultaneously. Logistic regression analysis indicated that undergraduates who experienced high ACEs were more likely to have a high risk of psychological distress [odds ratio (ORs) = 1.46, 1.84, and 3.15 for uncertainty stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation, respectively], while undergraduates who experienced High BCEs were less likely to have psychological distress (ORs = 0.33, 0.22, and 0.32 for uncertainty stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation, respectively) compared with Low-Both group. The combined effect of ACEs and BCEs (High-Both group) could also play as a protective factor in uncertainty stress (OR = 0.56) and depressive symptoms (OR = 0.47).ConclusionOur findings suggested that ACEs and BCEs could not only predict the psychological distress independently, but also BCEs could counteract the negative effect of ACEs in psychological problems. There is an even greater need to identify and support the victims of ACEs and to increase BCEs in early childhood.

Network connectivity between benevolent childhood experiences and uncertainty stress among Chinese university students

“…Not only for the university level, BCEs can have lifelong effects on mental health and physical health ( 27 ). BCEs improve individual's capacity to control emotions, which benefits adult health ( 49 , 50 ).…”

“…The BCEs scale (27), which comprises 10 items of positive childhood experiences that occurred before the age of 18, was used to assess BCEs. Items include (1) having at least one safe caregiver, (2) having at least one good friend, (3) having beliefs that gave comfort, (4) enjoying school, ( 5) having at least one teacher who cared, (6) having good neighbors, (7) having an adult who could provide support or advice, (8) having opportunities to have a good time, (9) having a positive selfconcept, and (10) having a predictable home routine.…”

“…Furthermore, one cross-sectional study of Chinese university students shows that BCEs are negatively associated with uncertainty stress and provide a buffer for uncertainty stress ( 26 ). Hou et al also found that Chinese university students who experienced more BCEs were less likely to have uncertainty stress ( 27 ).…”

A Dutch Perspective on Two Health Related Issues Regarding Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities

“…In recent years, scientific attention to positive childhood experiences is increasing as well, because of their preventive and mitigating effects on ACEs, thereby contributing to a healthy development and well-being in life [ 18 , 33 ]. International research regarding positive experiences in childhood, also referred to in research as protective and compensatory experiences (PCEs) [ 34 , 35 ] or advantageous childhood experiences [ 36 ], counter-ACEs [ 36 ] or benevolent childhood experiences [ 37 ] is growing. PCEs are experiences that promote resilience in the face of adversity [ 37 ].…”

“…International research regarding positive experiences in childhood, also referred to in research as protective and compensatory experiences (PCEs) [ 34 , 35 ] or advantageous childhood experiences [ 36 ], counter-ACEs [ 36 ] or benevolent childhood experiences [ 37 ] is growing. PCEs are experiences that promote resilience in the face of adversity [ 37 ]. Resilience is a dynamic, systemic process, based both on internal and external sources [ 38 ].…”