The Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Anxiety Symptoms and Maladaptive Coping Strategies and their Mediating Role : A Quantitative Study

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a range of impairments in later life, including anxiety and maladaptive coping. Despite existing evidence, research gaps remain, particularly regarding the underlying mechanisms of these associations and how they operate in the general population. This cross-sectional study examined the interplay between ACEs, anxiety symptoms and maladaptive coping in a non-clinical sample of 58 young adults (M_age = 24, SD_age = 3.29; 84.5% female) who were asked to complete several self-report instruments. Significant relationships were found between ACEs and anxiety symptoms (β = .554, p < .001) and between ACEs and maladaptive coping behaviour (β = .341, p = .009). While maladaptive coping did not significantly predict anxiety (β = .246, p = .063), specific maladaptive coping strategies were associated with anxiety symptoms, except for rumination (β = -.156, p = .197). However, maladaptive coping did not significantly mediate the association between ACEs and anxiety (β = .0220, 95% CI [-.0129, .0219]). These findings highlight the risk posed by ACEs and maladaptive coping, and provide insights for interventions and cognitive therapy approaches to prevent anxiety. Future research should include longitudinal data and multiple measures beyond self-report to address temporary effects and increase validity.