Social Support as a Moderator Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Depression Among Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Shahista Rojoa, Mohd Akif Farhan Ahmad Basri

Abstract


Depression among young adults remains a growing concern, with early-life adversity identified as a key contributing factor. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been consistently associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms. However, differences in individual outcomes suggest the influence of protective factors, particularly social support. The current study systematically reviews quantitative evidence from observational studies, including cross sectional and correlational designs, examining the role of social support in influencing the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms. A structured search was conducted using PsycINFO, supplemented by manual searches which covered publications from 2015 to 2025. The findings indicate inconsistent evidence regarding the influence of social support with some studies demonstrating a buffering effect while others report a limited effect. Additionally, existing research is largely concentrated in Western and selected Asian contexts, with limited representation from culturally diverse settings.


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References


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