Keywords
adverse childhood experiences
emotional regulation
adult mental health
support access
psychological well-being
resilience
How to Cite
Abstract
Early childhood experiences play a fundamental role in shaping emotional development and long-term psychological functioning. While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase vulnerability to mental health problems, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may foster resilience and adaptive emotional functioning. This study examined the relationships among childhood experiences, emotional regulation, support access, and adult psychological well-being within an integrated developmental framework. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using data collected from 306 adults aged 18–45 years through standardized self-report measures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation, hierarchical multiple regression, bootstrap mediation analysis, and moderation analysis. The findings demonstrated acceptable internal consistency across all study measures. Adverse childhood experiences were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, whereas positive childhood experiences positively predicted emotional regulation, resilience, sleep quality, and psychological well-being. Emotional regulation partially mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult psychological distress, indicating that impaired emotional regulation represents an important mechanism linking childhood adversity with later mental health outcomes. Furthermore, support access significantly moderated the association between adverse childhood experiences and anxiety, suggesting that supportive resources mitigate the adverse psychological consequences of early-life adversity. The study highlights the complementary roles of developmental risk and protective factors in explaining adult psychological adjustment. These findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed interventions, resilience-building initiatives, and emotionally supportive environments for promoting lifelong mental health. The study contributes culturally relevant evidence from an Indian adult sample and offers practical implications for clinicians, educators, policymakers, and mental health practitioners.
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