Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health Among Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults: Mediating Roles of Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

Abstract Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are well-established risk factors for poor mental health, yet less is known about how positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and resilience may buffer these effects across different stages of life. Existing research has primarily focused on ACEs in isolation, leaving a gap in understanding the protective mechanisms that promote psychological well-being despite adversity. To address this gap, the present study examines the effects of ACEs and the mediating roles of PCEs and resilience in their relationship with anxiety and depression. The sample consisted of 2,287 Turkish participants, including adolescents (ages 13–18, n = 683), young adults (ages 19–29, n = 1,076), and adults (ages 30–75, n = 528). Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) scale, the Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) scale, the Resilience Scale, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Results showed that ACEs were negatively associated with PCEs and resilience across all groups, while they were positively linked to anxiety and depression. Mediation analyses revealed that PCEs and resilience significantly mediated the relationship between ACEs and mental health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of fostering positive childhood experiences and resilience as protective factors that can mitigate the long-term psychological impact of ACEs, informing targeted prevention and intervention strategies to support mental health across different life stages.