Positive childhood experiences.
A new study by Dr Gunjan Y Trivedi of Wellness Space, published in Acta Psychologica, finds that Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) independently strengthen psychological resilience in adulthood, even after accounting for childhood adversity.
The study of 347 adults from western India asked a simple but important question: can positive childhood experiences strengthen resilience in adulthood, even after childhood adversity? The findings suggest they can.
Researchers assessed childhood adversity (ACE-14), positive childhood experiences (PCE-7), and adult resilience using established psychological measures. Higher ACE exposure was associated with lower resilience, while higher PCE exposure was associated with greater resilience. Positive childhood experiences remained a significant predictor of resilience even after accounting for adversity, age, and gender.
The findings support a compensatory model of resilience, meaning positive childhood experiences contribute to resilience, rather than simply offsetting childhood adversity. The findings also add to growing international evidence that childhood well-being is shaped not only by the absence of adversity, but by the presence of supportive and emotionally nurturing experiences.
"Childhood trauma is not destiny," said Dr Gunjan Y Trivedi, the study's author and co-founder of Wellness Space. "Even small protective experiences in childhood-one trusted adult, one safe friendship, or one place that felt predictable-can leave lasting positive effects." Evidence suggests that supportive relationships and positive experiences throughout adulthood continue to strengthen resilience across the lifespan.
The study builds on more than a decade of Wellness Space research on childhood trauma and resilience in India, including the development and validation of the Trivedi ACE-14 Assessmentâ¢, a culturally adapted childhood adversity screening instrument.
Beyond clinical practice, the findings have broader public health implications. For India and other Global South countries facing growing mental health challenges, the results strengthen the case for prevention-focused strategies that promote emotionally supportive parenting, safe and nurturing school environments, and stronger community connections. The findings suggest that investing in positive childhood experiences may contribute not only to healthier childhood development but also to improved mental health and resilience across adulthood.
The author notes that the cross-sectional design cannot establish cause and effect, and that future studies should include more diverse populations across India.
Wellness Space, based in Ahmedabad, is an evidence-based psychotherapy training and wellness practice co-founded by Dr Gunjan Y Trivedi and Dr Riri G Trivedi. Its research arm, the Society for Energy and Emotions, has produced more than 20 peer-reviewed studies on childhood trauma, mental health, complex PTSD and recovery in Indian populations in collaboration with several institutions. Through its clinical services, research, and professional training program, Wellness Space works to translate scientific evidence into practical approaches for improving mental health and resilience.
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