A review of positive psychological factors in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and outcomes for university students

Abstract

Background

In adults with a history of childhood adversity such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction there is greater risk of depression, PTSD, alcoholism, suicide, cancer, heart disease, and more. The field of positive psychology aims to improve well-being, which can buffer against stressors and build resources and resilience to cope with adversity. Positive psychology interventions show promise in clinical populations, so may be effective in changing the life-course for adults affected by childhood adversity.

Objective

To review the empirical literature on positive psychological variables that may moderate or mediate the relationships between childhood adversity and various outcomes for young adults, mostly university students.

Participants and setting

This review included a total of 9938 participants, from mostly university student samples (average mean age = 21.19, SD = 2.41) in USA, China, and Turkey.

Methods

PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ERIC were searched in accord with PRISMA guidelines. Studies that explored positive factors and whether they moderated or mediated the relationship between childhood adversity and various outcomes were included. 162 records were screened, and 11 were selected for inclusion.

Results

Eight factors mediated or moderated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and various deleterious outcomes: self-compassion, optimism, positive perception, meaning in life, positive emotions, mindset, subjective well-being, and psychological suzhi.

Conclusions

Approaches that aim to support recovery from the challenges connected with childhood adversity should aim to integrate the promotion of these positive factors into interventions and treatments. Specifically, subjective wellbeing seems to have high value and can be reliably developed using positive psychology interventions.