Mediating effects of physical activity on the association between adverse childhood experiences and quality of life in college students

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood and increase one's likelihood to experience negative health outcomes. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to buffer negative affects posed by ACEs on perceived quality of life (QoL). <b>Objective:</b> This research examines how PA may mediate the association between ACEs and poor QoL among college students. The relationship between ACEs exposure and PA engagement is also explored. <b>Participants:</b> 271 actively enrolled college students between 18 and 50 years of age. <b>Methods:</b> By using self-report data, students' perceived QoL, PA engagement, and exposure to ACEs are quantified. This data was then examined using mediation analyses and statistical tests which explored correlations and comparisons among study variables. <b>Results:</b> Positive associations are seen between ACEs and poor QoL (Direct Effect = 16.2%, <i>p</i> = 0.02), PA did not significantly mediate this relationship. ACEs show a negative relationship with PA (Direct Effect = 11.5%).ACE scores were significantly affected when covariates, namely overweight status and financial stress, were controlled (<i>p</i> = 0.008, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> To improve the QoL of college students with ACEs, interventions should focus on weight management and financial stress.