ACE Data

In this study, we examined whether neuroticism influences the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and extreme attitudes toward authority in emerging adulthood. ACE exposure has been linked to emotional dysregulation and vulnerability to psychopathology; however, less is known about how these early experiences shape later perceptions of authority. Our findings demonstrate that neuroticism plays a significant mediating role in this relationship.

Data were generated by administered to 380+ emerging adults the ACE International Questionnaire, the neuroticism subscale of the NEO-FFI, and the Attitudes to Authority Scale. Non-parametric statistical analyses were conducted due to non-normal data distribution.

Results revealed a significant positive association between ACEs and neuroticism (ρ = .417, p < .001), and a significant negative association between neuroticism and authority attitudes (ρ = –.176, p < .001). No significant direct relationship was observed between ACEs and authority attitudes (ρ = –.088). Mediation analysis indicated that neuroticism accounted for approximately 74% of the indirect effect between ACE exposure and authority attitudes, whereas moderation effects were not significant.

These findings suggest that childhood adversity influences authority attitudes indirectly through emotional instability rather than through a direct pathway, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation processes in understanding authority-related responses in early adulthood.