Adverse childhood experiences and self-esteem among adolescents: The role of social capital and gender

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences have long-lasting effects on the self-esteem of adolescents. However, the extrinsic mechanism linking them to self-esteem, which is more modifiable, has rarely been examined. Therefore, this study examined the mediating roles of family, school, and peer social capital and the moderating role of gender in the association between adverse childhood experiences and adolescent self-esteem.

Methods

This study involved a cross-sectional survey of first- and second-grade students in the only high school in Wusu, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Data were collected in May 2023. A sample of 2539 students (M = 16.84 years old; 55.65% female) was included. The measurement models of family, school, and peer social capital were constructed using confirmatory factor analysis. The mediating roles of the three types of social capital and the moderating role of gender were examined using mediation analysis and multiple-group analysis, respectively.

Results

Family, school, and peer social capital significantly mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adolescent self-esteem, and family social capital played the strongest role. Gender significantly moderated the direct effect of adverse childhood experiences on self-esteem. The direct effect was significant only among girls.

Conclusions

This study underscores the protective role of social capital for self-esteem among adolescents in Northwestern China and similar areas with relatively limited social services. Comprehensive interventions promoting social capital, especially family social capital, should be conducted to enhance self-esteem among adolescents.