Adverse childhood experiences, fear of happiness and alcohol abuse: The mediating role of emotion dysregulation

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been linked to adverse outcomes, yet their associations with fear of happiness and alcohol abuse remain unclear. This study examined emotion dysregulation in relation to these associations in a sample of 350 participants (56.3% female, Mage = 25) from 47 Turkish cities. Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Fear of Happiness Scale, and Addiction Profile Index Risk Screening Scale. Structural equation modeling indicated that ACEs were associated with higher emotion dysregulation, and emotion dysregulation was associated with greater fear of happiness and alcohol abuse; direct associations between ACEs and these outcomes were not significant, consistent with an indirect association through emotion dysregulation. These findings suggest that emotion regulation difficulties are related to reduced capacity for positive affect and greater reliance on dysfunctional coping, including alcohol use. Findings highlight the relevance of emotion regulation among individuals with ACE histories.