Examining the moderating effect of positive childhood experiences on the relationship between self-critical rumination and stress coping methods

One of the most significant factors threatening individuals' mental health today is stress and the ways of coping with it. Particularly, being trapped in self-critical thoughts (rumination) can negatively affect coping skills, creating a vicious cycle. It is thought that positive experiences gained during childhood may play an important role in breaking this cycle. The aim of this study is to examine the moderating role of positive childhood experiences in the relationship between self-critical rumination and stress-coping methods. The study utilized a relational survey model, a quantitative analysis technique, and employed the Self-Critical Rumination Scale (SCRS), the Stress Coping Strategies Scale (SCSS), and the Positive Childhood Experiences Scale (PCES) as measurement tools. Data were collected in 2024 through an online survey from 413 adults aged 18 and above and analyzed using the SPSS 27 software. Analyses included independent sample t-tests, one-way variance analysis (ANOVA), simple and multiple regression analyses, as well as moderation role analyses. The results revealed a significant negative relationship between self-critical rumination and stress-coping methods. However, it was determined that positive childhood experiences did not have a moderating role in the relationship between self-critical rumination and stress-coping methods. The findings were discussed in light of the literature, emphasizing the importance of coping skills in adulthood. In this context, it is recommended to develop approaches targeting the adult period in stress management and rumination-focused interventions.