Keywords

adverse childhood experiences; ACEs; somatic symptoms; somatization; stress and coping; emerging adults

Abstract

It has been estimated that the costs of childhood adversity amount to $14.1 trillion annually (Peterson et al., 2023). Nearly two-thirds of people report adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, that reverberate well beyond childhood (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023; Felitti et al., 1998). Greater exposure to ACEs is linked consistently to poorer health outcomes, including somatic symptoms or physical symptoms with no organic cause (Katon & Walker, 1998; Sansone et al., 2001; Stuart & Noyes, 1999; Waldinger, 2006). The present study examined the relationships among ACEs, somatic symptoms, and healthcare utilization in emerging adults, with stress appraisal and coping strategies tested as mediating factors. Results showed that ACEs predicted significantly increased levels of negative stress appraisal, avoidant coping, and somatic symptoms. Primary appraisal, stressfulness, and avoidant coping each partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and somatic symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of education and prevention to mitigate the harmful effects of early trauma exposure, including somatic symptoms. Interventions aimed at reducing maladaptive coping strategies and negative stress appraisal may be particularly beneficial.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Renk, Kimberly

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Thesis Discipline

Psychology

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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