The mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among Vietnamese college students

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known as risk factors that contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress in adulthood. Notably, the specific mechanisms underlying this association have been identified in only a limited number of studies. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between ACEs, psychological flexibility (PF), and mental health (anxiety, stress, and depression) in college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 college students in southern Vietnam. The data were analyzed using PLS-SEM to examine the relationship among the variables, and T-tests and One-way ANOVA in SPSS were employed to explore group differences. The results showed that PF functioned as a mediating factor in the pathway from ACEs to mental health. In addition, we found significant gender differences in PF, differences in mental health problems based on sources of emotional support, and differences in depression levels across religions. These findings provide valuable insights for both research and clinical practice in Vietnam, by highlighting PF as a crucial factor for future mental health interventions.