Adverse childhood experiences and coping strategies: do they make a difference in psychopathic traits and altruism for young adults?

Abstract Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been frequently associated with the presence of psychopathic traits and low levels of altruism. However, there are psychological factors such as coping strategies and demographic variables (sex and socioeconomic status) that can also influence psychopathic and altruistic traits. This study explored the impact of ACEs on psychopathic and altruistic traits, considering participants’ coping strategies, in an underexplored population. A total of 420 young Spanish adults (18–20 years old, M = 18.92; SD = 0.77) completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Youth Psychopathic Inventory, the Altruistic Scale, and the Brief Coping Scale. Linear regression and comparative qualitative (fsQCA models) analyses indicated that total ACEs and avoidant emotion-focused coping (especially among males) were associated with higher psychopathic traits. Conversely, total ACEs and problem-focused coping (particularly among females) were linked to altruism. FsQCA models extended these findings, incorporating high SES to these previous profiles when predicting psychopathy and altruism. Thus, it is crucial to promote secure environments in childhood that facilitate the development of adaptive coping strategies. These strategies can mitigate the long-term effects of ACEs, reducing the likelihood of developing psychopathic traits while simultaneously increasing altruism.