Childhood Adversity, Psychological Well-Being, and Religious Practices

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences can have a severe impact on a person's life, impacting their mental and physical health. However, resiliency factors appear to help mitigate those impacts. Using multiple regression, this study looked at private religious practices (PRP), such as prayer, meditation, and reading the Bible, and how they potentially change the impact adverse childhood experiences have on the psychological wellness of Christian adults ages 25 and older. The hypothesis were (a) ACEs will negatively predict psychological well-being, (b) frequency of PRP will positively predict psychological well-being, and (c) PRP will moderate the relationship between ACEs and psychological well-being in that it will decrease the effect that ACEs have on well-being. This cross- sectional study had 125 participants, ages 25�82, with 78.4% female respondents. Statistical significance was not found between adverse childhood experiences and psychological well-being in adulthood or for PRP as a moderating factor. However, statistical significance was found in the direct relationship between frequency of PRP and psychological well-being in the sample. These results showed encouraging Christian clients to participate in PRP may help them thrive in life.