The Role Of Supportive Adults: Are These Relationships Able To Mitigate The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Adolescent Adjustment?

Authors

• Zachary C. Wilde, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Stephanie D. Smith, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Mackenzie B. Murphy, Washington State University Pullman
• Joshua J. Underwood, Washington State University Pullman
• Fayth Walbridge, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Mairin C. Cotter, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Cameron Pothoven, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Tiffany Harris, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Christopher T. Barry, Washington State University Pullman

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2026

School

Psychology

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) place adolescents at higher risk of developing physical and mental health problems later in life. Further, vulnerable adolescents—those from resource-limited households, communities, or schools; exposed to abandonment, violence, or conflict; or lacking emotional support from adults—are at greater risk for negative outcomes. ACEs can disrupt emotional regulation and increase impulsivity, contributing to behaviors such as aggression or rule-breaking. Efforts to understand the impact of protective factors, such as adult social support, on outcomes related to ACEs are essential. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between ACEs and domains of psychosocial adjustment, as well as the role of adult social support. Data were collected using a multi-informant approach from 110 vulnerable adolescents, enrolled in a quasi-military residential program due to risk of school dropout or involvement in the criminal justice system, and their parents. Parent- and adolescent-reported ACEs were positively correlated with reported emotional symptoms. Adolescent-reported adult social support was negatively related to parent-reported ACEs and emotional symptoms. Adolescent-reported adult social support was also significantly and negatively related to adolescent-reported emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/inattention, and overall psychosocial maladjustment. However, linear regression models revealed that ACEs were not significantly associated with any of the outcomes of interest. Linear regressions demonstrated that greater adolescent-reported social support was uniquely, significantly associated with overall adolescent-reported lower psychosocial maladjustment and hyperactivity/inattention. Contrary to expectations, adult social support did not moderate the association between ACEs and psychosocial maladjustment. Findings suggest that adult social support may help foster psychosocial adjustment among vulnerable adolescents.

Publication Title

Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma

Volume

19

Issue

1

First Page

81

Last Page

93

Recommended Citation

Wilde, Z., Smith, S., Murphy, M., Underwood, J., Walbridge, F., Cotter, M., Pothoven, C., Harris, T., Barry, C. (2026). The Role Of Supportive Adults: Are These Relationships Able To Mitigate The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Adolescent Adjustment?. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 19(1), 81-93.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/21944