College students' adverse childhood experiences and their anticipated risky behaviors: Early maladaptive schemas and emotion regulation difficulties as potential mediators

• Published in: Journal of American college health 2024-06, p.1-9
• Main Authors: Dickie, Daniel T, Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Jennifer, McAnulty, Richard D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0744-8481; 1940-3208; 1940-3208
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2369854

This study explicates the relationship between college student's adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their anticipated engagement in five types of risky behaviors. Two transdiagnostic mechanisms were tested cross-sectionally: disconnection/rejection early maladaptive schemas (cognitive) and difficulties in emotional regulation (emotional). 521 college student participants were majority female (66.8%), White (57.2%), freshman (54.9%), and heterosexual (72.2%). Participants completed an online, self-report, survey. Pearson bivariate correlations and parallel mediation analyses were conducted. Sixty percent of students endorsed at least one ACE. Among the total sample, disconnection/rejection schemas partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and anticipated engagement in irresponsible academic/work behaviors, drug use, aggressive/illegal activities, and heavy drinking. Difficulties in emotion regulation partially mediated anticipated risky sexual activities and irresponsible academic/work behaviors. Sex differences were noted. Preventing irresponsible academic activity and other risky behaviors is critically important to college students, parents, and administrators. Intervention efforts should address cognitive and emotional mechanisms.