J Interpers Violence. 2025 Nov 24:8862605251390545. doi: 10.1177/08862605251390545. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Adolescent drinking behaviors and mental health issues are growing public health concerns closely linked to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This 12-month longitudinal study examined whether resilience and self-concept properties mediate the associations of childhood poly-adversity with adolescent drinking behaviors and mental health issues. Participants included 289 adolescent-parent/guardian dyads from public junior high schools in southern Taiwan. Adolescents completed self-report measures at three time points to assess ACEs, resilience, self-concept properties, and behavioral and mental health challenges. Parents/guardians provided self-reported family resilience data at the same intervals. Adolescents with high childhood poly-adversity reported more frequent alcohol use, greater mental health symptoms, and lower self-concept clarity compared to those with no or low childhood poly-adversity. Family resilience and self-concept properties significantly mediated the effects of childhood poly-adversity on drinking behaviors and mental health issues, whereas individual resilience showed limited influence. These findings highlight the protective role of family resilience and self-concept in mitigating the long-term adverse effects of childhood poly-adversity. Moreover, the results suggest that self-concept properties may be a more proximal mechanism influencing adolescent adjustment. Interventions aimed at strengthening family resilience and promoting positive self-concept may serve as effective strategies to prevent drinking behaviors and mental health issues among adolescents with childhood poly-adversity.
PMID:41277324 | DOI:10.1177/08862605251390545
