Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Maladaptive Behaviors among Preadolescents in Selected Primary Schools in Kiambaa Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Preadolescence, typically defined as the period between nine and twelve years of age, represents a critical stage of development during which children may become susceptible to maladaptive behaviors, particularly when exposed to adverse childhood experiences. This study examined the prevalence and influence of such experiences, specifically parental neglect, and childhood abuse on the behavioral outcomes of preadolescents in selected primary schools within Kiambaa, Kiambu County. Grounded in ecological systems theory, the study employed a descriptive research design and utilized structured questionnaires for data collection. A representative sample of four hundred and eighty-nine pupils was selected through stratified random sampling from a target population of eight hundred and eighty-six. Data analysis incorporated descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. The results indicated a moderate occurrence of adverse childhood experiences among participants, with clear associations between these experiences and maladaptive behaviors, including aggression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem. The study concludes that adverse childhood experiences substantially contribute to emotional and behavioral difficulties in preadolescents. It recommends targeted interventions, including teacher training for early detection of abuse and neglect, school-based domestic violence awareness initiatives, and strengthened caregiver engagement in mental health dialogue, as essential strategies to support resilience and healthy development.