A Structural Model of Adverse Childhood Experiences as Antecedents of Rumination Leading to Lower Hope

Abstract

Hope is well established within the positive psychology literature as a construct associated with psychological well-being. Recent research has also linked experiences of childhood trauma with lower hope into adulthood. Snyder’s hope theory explains this link by suggesting that rumination, as a byproduct of trauma, limits survivors’ ability to focus on present day goals, thereby lowering hope. To test this proposed link between childhood trauma and lower hope, we conducted two studies using independent samples of adults living in the United States (Study 1: N’ = 258; Study 2: N’ = 374). Per Snyder, the studies modeled childhood trauma as a driver of rumination leading to lower hope. The results of Study 1 indicated that a “full mediation” model, directly representing Snyder’s theory, produced good fit ( χ2 = 254.02, p > .001; df = 131); root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) = .06 (90% confidence interval [CI]: .049, .072); standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .055; comparative fit index (CFI): .927. A subsequent bootstrapping analysis ( N = 5,000) validated the full mediation model. Study 2 provided identical results, indicating again that a full mediation model of the variables produced good fit. The data from both studies was consistent with Snyder’s understanding of the link between trauma and lower hope. The article concludes with a discussion of the studies’ implications, particularly how the data supports interventions, such as meditation, that may work to help buffer the ruminating impacts of childhood trauma.