Beyond One Size Fits all: Unraveling Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Coping Strategies and Mental Health Among Emerging Adults With ACEs

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with the development of depressive symptoms (DS) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Coping, a potential mechanism, remains underexplored, especially regarding racial/ethnic disparities in experiences of ACEs and mental health outcomes. Therefore, we examined the interactive effects of coping and racial/ethnic identity on the DS and PTSS among emerging adults with ACEs. Data were collected from 299 college students ( M age = 19.94; 18.6% men, 78.6% women, 2.7% nonbinary; 57.2% White, 42.8% racial/ethnic minorities) who completed a set of questionnaires. Moderation analyses revealed that coping effects on DS and PTSS varied by race/ethnicity. For instance, restraint coping increased DS and PTSS only in racial/ethnic minorities, while active coping reduced these symptoms only in White students. The study highlights the need for culturally adapted interventions for diverse students with ACEs, who are at increased risk for mental health issues, emphasizing that ‘one size does not fit all’.