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From adversity to adaptation: the mediating roles of emotion regulation strategies for internalizing problems

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  • Kim, Yeonjin
  • Song, Ju-Hyun

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and internalizing problems in young adulthood, while exploring the indirect associations through suppression and reappraisal as emotion regulation strategies. A total of 435 Korean young adults (aged 20–29 years; Mage = 23.78; 49.7% male) participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants retrospectively reported their ACEs by completing the Korean version of the Child Trauma Questionnaire (K-CTQ) and the Child and Adolescent Trauma Scale (CATS). We used the Brief Symptoms Inventory-18 (BSI-18) to measure depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms, and the Regulation of Emotion Systems Survey (RESS) to assess two types of emotion regulation strategies, reappraisal and suppression. We conducted a simultaneous path analysis using Mplus 8.8. The results indicated that ACEs were associated with higher levels of internalizing problems. Regarding the indirect associations, the greater use of suppression was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and somatization. Conversely, lower levels of reappraisal served as an indirect pathway linking ACEs to increased levels of depression. In conclusion, ACEs are associated with internalizing problems in early adulthood, with suppression and reappraisal playing distinct roles in these associations. The study highlights the importance of interventions aiming for adaptive emotion regulation strategies in young adults with a history of childhood adversities.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim, Yeonjin & Song, Ju-Hyun, 2026. "From adversity to adaptation: the mediating roles of emotion regulation strategies for internalizing problems," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:185:y:2026:i:c:s0190740926002215
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.108968
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