Abstract
Interpersonal trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, and intimate partner violence, is a prevalent and harmful form of trauma associated with deleterious psychosocial outcomes. Despite its negative impacts, individuals exposed to interpersonal trauma may also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG). While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known risk factors and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) are potential protective factors for adult outcomes, little is known about how combinations of ACEs and BCEs influence PTG. This study examined how combinations of ACEs and BCEs relate to PTG and social connectedness among individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Using cross-sectional survey data from 615 adults who experienced childhood and/or adulthood interpersonal trauma, two-step cluster analysis identified four distinct subgroups: Supported (low ACEs/high BCEs), Under Supported (low ACEs/low BCEs), Vulnerable (high ACEs/low BCEs), and Protected (high ACEs/high BCEs). A one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in PTG and social connectedness across subgroups, with the Protected group reporting the highest levels of PTG and the Supported group reporting the highest level of social connectedness. These findings suggest that a higher number of BCEs may foster greater psychological growth following adversity, while a lack of childhood protective factors can impact social connectedness into adulthood.
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Recommended Citation
Poandl, M., Kitching, E., Gutierrez, D., & zhang, y. (2026). The Roles of Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences in Posttraumatic Growth and Social Connectedness Following Interpersonal Trauma. Trauma Counseling and Resilience, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.33470/2997-7088.1086