Understanding the Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Spiritual Well-Being Among Turkish University Students: Testing the Mediating Roles of Rumination and Forgiveness

Abstract

Purpose: The formation of spiritual well-being is essential for individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating roles of rumination and forgiveness in the link between adverse childhood experiences and spiritual well-being in both independent and sequential paths. Method: The sample of this study consisted of 1138 university students (71.4% females; M = 22.06, SD = 2.43). The results showed that adverse childhood experiences were negatively associated with spiritual well-being. Rumination mediated the link between adverse childhood experiences and spiritual well-being. Self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others acted as mediators in this relationship. Rumination—self-forgiveness and rumination—forgiveness of others sequentially mediated the relationship. Finding: These results highlight that adversities experienced during childhood are associated with higher levels of rumination, and these repetitive thoughts inhibit forgiveness, leading to reduced spiritual well-being. Conclusion: This study suggests that minimizing rumination and promoting forgiveness may be useful strategies to enhance spiritual well-being for university students who have experienced adverse life events.