Understanding the Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Spiritual Well‐Being Among Turkish University Students: Testing the Mediating Roles of Rumination and Forgiveness

Purpose The formation of spiritual well‐being is essential for individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating roles of rumination and forgiveness in the link between adverse childhood experiences and spiritual well‐being in both independent and sequential paths. Method The sample of this study consisted of 1138 university students (71.4% females; M = 22.06, SD = 2.43). The results showed that adverse childhood experiences were negatively associated with spiritual well‐being. Rumination mediated the link between adverse childhood experiences and spiritual well‐being. Self‐forgiveness and forgiveness of others acted as mediators in this relationship. Rumination—self‐forgiveness and rumination—forgiveness of others sequentially mediated the relationship. Finding These results highlight that adversities experienced during childhood are associated with higher levels of rumination, and these repetitive thoughts inhibit forgiveness, leading to reduced spiritual well‐being. Conclusion This study suggests that minimizing rumination and promoting forgiveness may be useful strategies to enhance spiritual well‐being for university students who have experienced adverse life events.