Psychosocial adaptation under adverse experiences: A study on the role of empathy with adolescents from vulnerable contexts in Brazil.

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that affect children and adolescents, increasing the risk for negative outcomes in several developmental domains. The literature suggests that ACEs affect boys and girls differently, and that protective factors such as social and emotional skills may favor resilience processes and promote Psychosocial Adjustment.

Objective: The present study aimed to verify gender differences in relation to ACEs and Empathy, and to identify whether the effect of ACEs on Psychosocial Adjustment is moderated by Empathy.