Resilience and Self-Concept Properties Linking Childhood Poly-Adversity to Drinking Behaviors and Mental Health Issues Among Junior High School Adolescents

Adolescent drinking behaviors and mental health issues are growing public health concerns closely linked to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This 12-month longitudinal study examined whether resilience and self-concept properties mediate the associations of childhood poly-adversity with adolescent drinking behaviors and mental health issues. Participants included 289 adolescent-parent/guardian dyads from public junior high schools in southern Taiwan. Adolescents completed self-report measures at three time points to assess ACEs, resilience, self-concept properties, and behavioral and mental health challenges. Parents/guardians provided self-reported family resilience data at the same intervals. Adolescents with high childhood poly-adversity reported more frequent alcohol use, greater mental health symptoms, and lower self-concept clarity compared to those with no or low childhood poly-adversity. Family resilience and self-concept properties significantly mediated the effects of childhood poly-adversity on drinking behaviors and mental health issues, whereas individual resilience showed limited influence. These findings highlight the protective role of family resilience and self-concept in mitigating the long-term adverse effects of childhood poly-adversity. Moreover, the results suggest that self-concept properties may be a more proximal mechanism influencing adolescent adjustment. Interventions aimed at strengthening family resilience and promoting positive self-concept may serve as effective strategies to prevent drinking behaviors and mental health issues among adolescents with childhood poly-adversity.