Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences Predict Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• DOI: 10.1007/s42844-021-00038-6
• Publication Date: 2021-04-23T02:02:41Z
• Authors: Jenalee R. Doom; Deborah Seok; Angela J. Narayan; Kathryn R. Fox
• Keywords: Pandemic

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poorer adult mental health, and benevolent (BCEs) better health. This study aims to test whether ACEs BCEs predict health above beyond current stress social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from undergraduate graduate students (N = 502) at an urban private university in Western United States. An online survey was conducted assess BCEs, support, depressive anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, loneliness May 2020. Higher levels of were higher β 0.45, p 0.002. lower -0.39, 0.03; -0.26, 0.002; less loneliness, -0.12, 0.04. These associations held while controlling for socioeconomic status. Childhood should be considered important promotive factor, independent ACEs, psychological well-being a global public crisis. included along future research, assessment, screening distressed vulnerable populations.