Positive, adverse childhood experiences, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms: the mediation role of emotional dysregulation.

Abstract

Background: Human development is influenced by experiences across the lifespan. Both positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have repercussions throughout adulthood. The literature shows that ACEs can increase psychopathological symptoms, such as obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS), whereas PCEs can protect against psychopathology. Difficulties in emotional regulation (DER) may also contribute to the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Aims: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between PCEs, ACEs, and OCS. Biological sex differences were examined across variables. The study also analyzed whether DER mediates the relationships between PCEs and OCS, and between ACEs and OCS.

Methods: The sample consisted of 206 adults (168 women and 38 men). Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised.

Results: Significant relationships were observed between the variables, and sex differences in OCS were found. DER partially mediated the relationship between PCEs and OCS. DER also partially mediated the relationship between emotional neglect and OCS.

Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of positive and adverse childhood experiences for the development of OCS, as well as the mediating role of DER in these associations.