A Comparative Study of Psychological Distress and Self-Compassion among Young Adults with Varying Levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Abstract: Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be associated with psychological functioning in young adulthood. This study examined differences in psychological distress and self-compassion between young adults with lower and higher levels of adverse childhood experiences and explored associations among these variables. Methods: A quantitative comparative-correlational design was used with 200 young adults recruited through convenience sampling. The sample comprised 100 participants in the lower-CAE group and 100 in the higher-CAE group. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Childhood Adverse Experiences Questionnaire (CAQ) were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and Pearson?s product-moment correlations. Results: The higher-CAE group reported significantly greater psychological distress (M = 29.53, SD = 8.74) than the lower-CAE group (M = 24.43, SD = 8.31), t(198) = -4.23, p
Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; psychological distress; self-compassion; young adults; correlation
How to Cite?: Niranjana K. P., "A Comparative Study of Psychological Distress and Self-Compassion among Young Adults with Varying Levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1653-1655, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261023144018, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261023144018