Experiencias adversas en la infancia y bienestar psicológico subjetivo en universitarios de la ciudad de Cuenca.

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that traumatic childhood experiences, such as abuse or violence, can affect mental health during the transition to early adulthood, especially in the academic context. These experiences increase the risk of developing psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or difficulties in managing stress, which directly impacts their quality of life. However, there is limited research on how these adversities impact university students in Cuenca, which justifies the present study. Objective: To establish the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and subjective psychological well-being in university students in Cuenca. Method: The study used a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional design with a descriptive-correlational approach. The sample included 90 students, selected through convenience sampling, who completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWS). Results: The findings indicate that women have a higher prevalence of ACEs compared to men, while the average psychological well-being of the participants was at an intermediate level. No statistically significant relationship was found between ACEs and psychological well-being. Conclusions: It is suggested that, although ACEs are common, their impact may be moderated by factors such as resilience and social support. This benefits health professionals and educators by providing relevant data to design preventive interventions and support programs, as well as students, who could receive personalized strategies to strengthen their emotional well-being and better manage adversities. However, limitations include the small sample size and no control over external variables.