The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experience, Resilience, and Depression Among Adolescents from Single-Parent Families in Selangor

Abstract

The divorce rate has increased in Malaysia which may result in exposure to ACEs. Although some research has explored the outcome of ACEs among adolescents, research on adolescents from single-parent families and depression is limited. This study measures the relationship between ACEs, resilience, and depression among adolescents. The study instruments include demographic information, ACEs, BDI-II, and the Resilience scale used among adolescents aged between 13 to 18 years. This cross-sectional descriptive study comprises 81 (46.8%) male and 92 (53.2%) female respondents. Adolescents (n=135) 78.0% who participated in this study are currently living with their mothers. On the other hand, only (n=38) 22.0% of the adolescents were living with their fathers. Importantly, a total of (n=120) 69.4% of the adolescent’s parents were separated without legal documents, and only (n=19) 11.0% of the adolescent’s parents had legally divorced and deceased one parent including (n=34) 19.7% of respondents. The findings and results revealed that (Ha1) there is a significant relationship between ACEs and depression r= .249**, p= 0.001 (two-tailed), p<0.05. Moreover, (Ha2) resilience does not mediate the relationship between ACEs and depression (a*b = .12, Bootstrap CI95 = -.11 and .43). Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. Lastly, (Ha3) gender significantly moderates the relationship between ACEs and depression (?=.063, SE= .024, p<.000). In a nutshell, mental health issues or precisely depression are common among adolescents who live with single parents. The rise in adverse experiences also increases depression positively. This is especially true among female adolescents. Immediate action against illegal separation has to be taken to reduce childhood trauma. On the other hand, it also reduces the number of children sent to welfare or Orphanages.