Adverse Childhood Experiences and Attachment in Relation to Self Compassion and Resilience

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences are known to have lasting effects on psychological development, yet their association with adult attachment patterns, self-compassion, and resilience during young adulthood requires further empirical examination. The present study examines the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult attachment dimensions in relation to self-compassion and resilience among young adults, while also exploring psychological distress and gender differences. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, data were collected from 136 young adults aged 18–25 years through standardized self-report measures. Results indicate that higher adverse childhood experiences are associated with lower self-compassion and resilience. Attachment anxiety is negatively related to self-compassion, while attachment closeness shows a positive association. Self-compassion is positively associated with resilience, highlighting its protective role. Psychological distress is negatively associated with both self-compassion and resilience, with highly distressed individuals reporting lower levels of these variables. Regression analyses show that adverse childhood experiences significantly predict self-compassion beyond attachment dimensions. Gender differences in self-compassion and resilience were also observed. Overall, early adversity and insecure attachment undermine adaptive functioning, while self-compassion emerges as a key protective resource in young adulthood.