Benevolent childhood experiences, child maltreatment, adult well-being and resilience

Abstract

Several studies have established a link between child maltreatment and mental health problems in adulthood, as well as between benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) and positive outcomes. However, less is known about how BCEs may lead to better adult mental health when maltreatment was also present. This study aimed to explore the moderating role of BCEs in the relationship between child maltreatment and psychological well-being and resilience. The study sample comprised 390 Portuguese-speaking emerging adults (aged 18–29 years; M = 22.81; SD = 2.92). Information regarding sociodemographic variables, child maltreatment, BCEs, psychological well-being and trait resilience was obtained via an online survey. Using multiple regression analysis, it was found that higher levels of child maltreatment and lower levels of BCEs were associated with poorer well-being and resilience. BCEs moderated the relationship between child maltreatment and well-being and resilience such that individuals with higher levels of BCEs reported greater well-being and resilience but also exhibited greater reductions in these indicators as their exposure to maltreatment increased. These results highlight the importance of the interplay between positive and negative childhood experiences for future well-being and resilience. They also draw attention to the need for monitoring early experiences to enable preventive strategies, as well as the importance of adjusting clinical interventions in accordance with the level of maltreatment experienced.