Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 1;15(1):34239. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-16250-8.
ABSTRACT
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent worldwide and affect health and the quality of life. The quality of resilience is known to help individuals cope with stress and adversities such as ACEs. ACEs and resilience have a negative correlation, but their relationship among college students remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between ACEs and resilience, with a specific focus on the impact of ACEs on resilience levels among individuals in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized a cross-sectional design and was conducted with 327 college students (51.4% male, 48.6% female; age range = 18-25) from two governmental universities in Riyadh Province. A convenience sampling method was used to collect information on the site using two main tools: the ACE Questionnaire and CD-RISC10. A t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were performed to examine the main aims of the study. The results showed a negative association between ACEs and resilience among college students. In other words, the resilience levels were lower among students with a higher prevalence of ACEs. The results also revealed that approximately 65% of the participating students reported at least one ACE, and approximately 32% reported four ACEs or more; emotional abuse was the most reported ACEs type. Additionally, the resilience scores in this study were relatively moderate, with a mean score of approximately 24 and a median of 25. College students are at risk of experiencing traumatic events. Examining college students’ health, specifically the consequences of past adversities on their mental health, is needed. This is because college students endeavor to identify their life roles and make important decisions regarding their future.
PMID:41034301 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-16250-8
