Links between adverse, benevolent childhood experiences and adult mental health in Chile

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been consistently associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan and represent a significant burden in Latin America. In contrast, Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCEs) could mitigate the effect of ACEs, however, research on BCEs remains limited in the region, despite unique cultural practices that could foster them. This study examined the associations between ACEs and BCEs with nine self-reported health conditions in adulthood, while controlling for sociodemographic variables, and tested whether BCEs moderated the relationship between ACEs and adult health. A nationally representative sample of 2,101 urban-dwelling Chilean adults completed the BCEs Scale and the ACEs International Questionnaire and reported whether they had been diagnosed with nine health conditions. ACEs were categorized into four groups (0, 1–3, 4–6, ≥7), and BCEs into five groups (0–3, 4–6, 7–8, 9, and 10). Logistic regression models were conducted using each health condition as an outcome and ACEs, BCEs, and demographic variables as predictors. There was a high prevalence of both ACEs and BCEs in the sample. Reporting six or more ACEs was associated with higher odds of all nine health conditions. Very high BCEs were associated with lower odds of six conditions. No interaction effects between ACEs and BCEs were identified. This investigation expands the limited evidence on BCEs in Latin America. Promoting BCEs may represent a promising approach to reducing the health burden associated with ACEs in the region. • High ACE exposure was associated with increased risk for all nine adult health conditions. • Very high BCEs were linked to lower odds of six adult health conditions. • No interaction was found between ACEs and BCEs, suggesting independent pathways to health. • Promoting BCEs may help reduce the health burden associated with childhood adversity in Latin America.