Exploring the Mediating Influence of Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion on the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Post-Traumatic Growth among Young Adults in India

Through the course of the last few decades researchers have observed that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) can act as a breeding ground for transformative positive changes to develop in the face of adversity. This process of enhanced growth is systematically studied as 'Post Traumatic Growth' (PTG). Though there is an existing association between ACE and PTG, yet there is a paucity of studies that explores the mediating variables in this relationship. The current study aims to explore the role of self-compassion (SC) and psychological flexibility (PF) between ACE and PTG among Indian young adults. The study was conducted on 298 Indian participants who were in the age bracket of 18-25 years. The study variables were assessed using self-administered rating scales. Participants were screened for ACE using Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire. Additionally, Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory- Short Form were other tools used. The results have indicated that both Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion mediate the relationship of ACE with PTG. The current findings have emphasized on the role of Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion in moving towards Post Traumatic Growth. These findings reassert that Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion are foundational to Acceptance Commitment Therapy and highly useful especially while working with trauma affected populations.