Psychosocial adaptation under adverse experiences: A study on the role of empathy with adolescents from vulnerable contexts in Brazil

Abstract

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that affect children and adolescents, increasing the risk for negative outcomes in several developmental domains. The literature suggests that ACEs affect boys and girls differently, and that protective factors such as social and emotional skills may favor resilience processes and promote Psychosocial Adjustment.

Objective: The present study aimed to verify gender differences in relation to ACEs and Empathy, and to identify whether the effect of ACEs on Psychosocial Adjustment is moderated by Empathy.

Participants and setting: A total of 1229 boys and girls aged 14 to 17 years from public schools in regions considered to be of high social vulnerability in two cities of Brazil participated in this study.

Methods: Comparisons between genders were carried out using a logistic regression model. We then fitted multiple regression models predicting Psychosocial Adjustment, where ACEs, Empathy, and an interaction term between ACEs and Empathy were employed as independent variables, controlled by gender.

Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that girls experience ACEs more often than boys (d = 0.26, p = 0.02; d = 0.36; p < 0.001), and score higher on the Empathy scale (d = 0.43, p < 0.001). The genders do not differ in Community Violence Exposure nor Psychosocial Adjustment levels. Interaction analysis showed that Empathy moderates the effect of ACEs on adolescents' level of Psychosocial Adjustment. In the context of close relationships, Empathy may counteract the effect of ACEs, while in cases involving domestic violence and/or psychological abuse, it may amplify the impact of ACEs.

Conclusions: The results show the relevance of considering gender specificities and that the role played by Empathy is more complex and needs further investigation. We emphasize that programs and policies aiming to prevent ACEs and their harmful effects should consider its types, in addition to the diversity and the specificities of the target population.

Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; Empathy; Gender differences; Psychosocial adjustment.