Date
5-22-2024
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Laura Rolen
Keywords
adverse childhood experiences, self-perception, character development, childhood maltreatment, adulthood wellbeing
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Owusu, Josephine Afua, "The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) on Victims' Self-Perception and Moral Character Development in Adulthood" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5602.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5602
Abstract
Adversity experienced in childhood is known to have debilitating consequences that permeate subsequent life experiences and predict adulthood wellbeing. The intensity and nature of this impact vary, however. Empirical and practical knowledge also point to the significant role of self-perception in determining one’s view of others, character development, and life experiences. Research has suggested associations between childhood adversities and self-perception, although this knowledge is scanty and inconsistent, with similarly minimal evidence on their correlation with character development. This study set out to examine how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence victims’ self-perception and character development in adulthood. It employed a mixed method approach with a sample of 208 respondents, from which 10 were selected for the qualitative component. The quantitative study used standardized measures including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) in an online survey to collect data, which were analyzed using bivariate, simple linear regression and mediation analysis methods. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were employed for the qualitative investigation. Findings from the quantitative analyses revealed no significant negative relationship between ACEs and self-perception or moral character development. The qualitative investigation portrayed both negative and positive relationship among ACEs, self-perception, and moral character. The negative relationship implied higher ACEs result in lower self- perception and lower moral character, and the positive relationship suggested higher ACEs result in higher self-esteem and higher moral character. The findings highlighted areas for further studies, added to existing literature, and offered significant directions for clinical work.
