Fostering Resilience: Examining the Relationships Among Adversity, Self-Esteem, Resilience, and Risky Behaviors of College Students

Adverse childhood experience (ACEs) are alarmingly common, as indicated by research in recent decades. Common ACEs include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in childhood as well as exposure to caregiver substance abuse, mental illness, and incarceration. Research indicates that a higher ACE score is linked with a plethora of long-term negative health consequences and risky behaviors throughout the lifespan. Although ACEs are prevalent, some individuals face adversity, yet rebound or even thrive. Individuals who bounce back display resilience, which can buffer against consequences linked to ACEs. Research indicates that self-esteem may be factor for developing resilience. This quantitative, cross-sectional study examined the potential relationships between past adversity, self-esteem, resilience, and risky behaviors among college students. Online surveys using measures of resilience, self-esteem, adversity, and the prevalence of risky behaviors were completed by students at southeastern United States universities. Results demonstrate connections among adversity, self-esteem, resilience, and risky behaviors. Study findings have implications for future resilience and self-esteem building interventions for young adult health and well-being