Psychological Well-being in Young Adults: The Enduring Effects of Child Adversity on Self-concept

Abstract

Using the stress process model and symbolic interaction, I investigate the relationship between childhood adversity and self-concept in young adults. I also examine if this relationship varies by religiosity. Data for this study comes from the National Survey of Youth – Child and Young adult sample (N=1,401). This research expands the literature regarding the long term effects of exposure to adversity in childhood. I demonstrate that the relationship between childhood adversity and self-concept is curvilinear. The effects of exposure to adverse events before age 18 endures into young adulthood, decreasing both mastery and self-esteem. Religiosity moderates the relationship between childhood adversity and mastery such that higher religious attendance reduces the harmful influence of childhood adversity on mastery. The findings stress the importance of developing a robust self-concept early in the life course, which enables young adults effectively deal with past stressful events through an internalization of a sense of control and self-worth.