ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine effects of traumatic experiences in childhood, on depressive symptoms of college students, and to determine how depression depended on positive psychological resources.METHODS: A total of 430 students were recruited, from two universities in Jeju area. All participants completed self-report questionnaires, that included demographic variables, Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Positive Resources Test (POREST).RESULTS: Prevalence of depression was 47.9%, and a total of 133 (30.9%) college students reported traumatic experiences in childhood. Students with depressive symptoms, were likely to report more traumatic experiences in childhood, and less positive psychological resources. Results from regression analyses indicated that, while controlling for a range of demographic variables, positive psychological resources moderated the association, between traumatic experiences in childhood and depression.CONCLUSION: Based on results, professionals must consider positive psychological and social resources, for treatment to reduce depressive symptoms in patients with history of childhood adversity.