Examining the relative impact of adverse and positive childhood experiences on adolescent mental health: A strengths-based perspective

Background It is well-documented that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a negative impact on mental health outcomes across the lifespan, while Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) act as a protective factor. Less is known about the relative impact of ACEs and PCEs on mental health outcome for adolescents. Objective The present study sought to identify the relative impact of ACEs and PCEs on mental health outcomes for youth. Participants and setting Data were drawn from a state-wide, cross-sectional health survey of 12-17 year-olds (n = 1169) conducted on a continuous basis throughout 2021, following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Adolescents completed ACEs and PCEs screeners and the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale to assess current mental health symptoms. A multiple regression analysis controlling for age, gender, and poverty level, was conducted to examine the relative impacts of ACEs and PCEs on mental health outcomes. Results Male gender, younger age, lower family poverty level (e.g., more financial hardship), absence of ACEs, and experiencing more PCEs were significantly associated with better mental health outcomes for adolescents [F(5, 1163) = 104.48, p < .001]. Notably, ACEs were found to account for only 9 % of variance in mental health outcomes (Delta R-2 = 0.09), while PCEs accounted for 18 % of variance (Delta R-2 = 0.18). Conclusions PCEs explained approximately double the variance in mental health outcomes for adolescents compared to ACEs. Results indicate promoting youths' exposure to PCEs in childhood and adolescence may offer a meaningful pathway for supporting adaptive mental health outcomes.