College Students the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience through the Eyes of Transition

This research focused on the role that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) play in the lives of today’s college students and how protective factors may increase a student’s level of resilience. This study examined participants’ levels of resilience, what ACEs they experienced prior to entering college, and what role protective factors played in mitigating the impacts of ACEs on resilience levels. Results indicated that older students scored higher in resilience than their younger counterparts. The findings indicated protective factors coupled with resilience play a role in the success of college students. Implications for practice suggest institutions of higher education should examine how to assist students in increasing levels of resilience to mitigate the impacts of ACEs and potentially increase their success in college. Administering a similar instrument prior to students’ arrival could also help identify students who may need additional assistance and resources to be connected once arriving to campus.