Journal article
Where healing begins: The role of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) in recovery from anxiety and depression among adolescents
Journal of affective disorders, Vol.400, 121209
05/01/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.121209
PMID: 41564942
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period marked by heightened vulnerability to mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being among the most prevalent. While previous research has highlighted the protective role of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) in preventing internalizing disorders, little is known about how various types of PCEs contribute to recovery once these conditions have emerged. Using nationally representative data from the 2022–2023 National Survey of Children's Health, this study examined the association between seven types of PCEs and recovery from anxiety and depression among U.S. adolescents aged 12–17. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses revealed that, after accounting for key sociodemographic variables and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), participation in after-school activities, volunteerism, and open communication with caregivers were significantly associated with greater odds of recovery from both anxiety and depression. Additionally, family resilience was associated with recovery from depression only. These results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how various types of PCEs support adolescent mental health, highlighting that they are not just preventive against mental health challenges but also facilitative in supporting post-symptom recovery and a return to healthy functioning.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Where healing begins: The role of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) in recovery from anxiety and depression among adolescents
- Creators
- Gahyun ParkHayoung JungIsak Kim
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of affective disorders, Vol.400, 121209
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jad.2026.121209
- PMID
- 41564942
- NLM abbreviation
- J Affect Disord
- ISSN
- 0165-0327
- eISSN
- 1573-2517
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 01/20/2026
- Date published
- 05/01/2026
- Academic Unit
- Counselor Education; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9985123701902771
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