Family Dynamics and Youth Wellbeing: The Role of Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences and Exposure to Prolonged Family Conflict

Families are complex relational systems in which multiple, often contradictory, processes unfold simultaneously. This study examines how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), exposure to prolonged family conflict, and family-based positive childhood experiences (PCEs) relate to mental health and flourishing among late adolescents and young adults in Slovenia. Online panel-based and targeted field recruitment yielded a sample of 1,059 participants aged 16–24 years. Multiple regression and simultaneous multiple regression path analysis (PROCESS) indicated that ACEs and prolonged family conflict were negatively associated with wellbeing (i.e. self-rated mental health and flourishing). Prolonged family conflict explained additional variance in self-rated mental health beyond ACEs. Family-based PCEs were positively associated with wellbeing. This positive association was weakened when prolonged family conflict was included as a moderator. Practical implications for youth counselors, educators, and families are discussed.