Childhood Adversity, Resilience, and Adult Mental Health: Do Religion and Psychological Resources Matter?
Abstract
This dissertation consists of three empirical studies that examine the interrelationships among childhood adversity, personal resources, and adult mental health. Two research questions guide the current dissertation: 1) Does childhood abuse shape trajectories of religiosity in adulthood?; 2) Do personal resources such as religiosity and secondary control serve as compensatory mechanisms by which the cumulative effects of childhood adversity on adult mental health are reduced? In addressing these research questions, the current dissertation draws upon the life course perspective as well as other theoretical perspectives including attachment theory, cumulative inequality theory and stress process theory. Chapter 2 examines how child maltreatment by parents shapes trajectories of religiosity in adulthood. Results indicate that maltreatment by a father is associated with a decline in religious attendance and salience in adulthood whereas maltreatment by a mother is associated with an increase in religious attendance, salience, and spirituality in adulthood. Chapter 3 investigates whether secondary control moderates the association between childhood adversity and adult mental health. Moreover, it assesses potential variations in the moderating effects across age groups. The analysis reveals that secondary control weakens the negative association between childhood abuse and life satisfaction in adulthood. Further, the stress-buffering effects of secondary control are more potent for older adults than younger adults. Finally, chapter 4 examines whether the deleterious long-term effects of childhood adversity on adult mental health are reduced for individuals who are involved in religious practices. The analysis shows that religious salience and spirituality buffer the noxious effects of childhood abuse on change in positive affect over time. Taken as a whole, the current dissertation represents one step toward a better understanding of the complex interplay of childhood adversity, resilience, and adult mental health.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Olson, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social psychology|Sociology|Spirituality
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