Self-Efficacy Moderates the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Generalized Anxiety Symptoms Among Latine College Students

Latine individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be at particularly high risk for increased anxiety in emerging adulthood. However, research has yet to examine links between ACES and subsequent anxiety in college-attending Latine individuals, nor has research considered protective factors that may help mitigate these negative associations. The present study examined the association between ACEs and generalized anxiety symptoms in a sample of 553 Latine emerging adults (aged 18-25) in college students. We also examined the extent to which emotional self-efficacy (ESE), general self-efficacy (GSE), and optimism may moderate association between ACEs and generalized anxiety symptoms. Results indicate that higher ACEs scores were associated with higher generalized anxiety symptoms. Moderation models found that both ESE and GSE moderated the relationship between ACEs and anxiety, such that these links were attenuated among individuals with higher self-efficacy. In contrast, optimism did not function as a moderator. These results highlight the strategic value of fostering self-efficacy among Latine adolescents and young adults who have experienced childhood adversities and can inform improved prevention, early identification, and intervention efforts. Public Significance Statement Latine individuals exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at increased risk of developing symptoms of generalized anxiety during emerging adulthood, compared to those who were not exposed to ACEs. The present study highlights the important roles that emotional and general self-efficacy (GSE) may play in mitigating the negative consequences of ACEs for Latine emerging adult college students. Intervention efforts targeting mental health among Latine emerging adults may benefit from screening for and work to strengthen emotional and GSE to improve symptoms of generalized anxiety.