THE IMPACT OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES ON EMERGING STUDENT’S PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

This study examines the connection between emerging adults' psychological well-being (PWB) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the 18–25 age range. The objective was to determine whether gender influences psychological well-being or exposure to ACEs, and whether childhood adversity affects psychological functioning in adulthood. The study involved 200 university students, 100 of whom were male and 100 of whom were female. Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale  and the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale were used to gather data. For statistical analysis, independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlation were employed. Although the degree of the association is quite exceptional and could be the result of a methodological error, the results showed a statistically significant correlation between ACE and PWB scores . Both psychological well-being  and ACE scores  did not significantly differ between males and females. These results imply that participants' psychological well-being and reported ACE exposure are not substantially influenced by gender. To confirm data integrity and explain the surprising association result, more research is necessary. The study emphasizes the need of precise data processing in psychological research as well as the necessity for more investigation into the long-term impacts of childhood adversity.