Impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Proactive Coping on College Adjustment and Risky Behavior

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have garnered recent attention in psychological and educational research due to their significant and lasting effects on an individual’s ability to cope and adjust to the demands that are part of the college experience. The trauma experienced in childhood can influence key aspects of psychological and emotional development, shaping how adults conceptualize and cope with stressors later in life. These developmental disruptions also increase one’s susceptibility to risky behaviors, especially during transitional periods in life, such as entering college (Allem et al., 2015; Campbell et al., 2016). This study aims to explore the interplay between ACEs and proactive coping skills as well as their collective impact on risky behaviors and college adjustment among students. Identifying the relationship between ACEs and risky behavior, as well as the protective role of proactive coping skills, can inform the development of targeted support programs seeking to help college students adjust to the demands associated with their current stage of life. Findings could have implications for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers looking to support evidence-based campus interventions.