Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) disrupt normal brain development in childhood, with negative effects that can persist into adulthood (Kalia et al., 2021). Despite the overwhelming cognitive and psychological consequences of adverse childhood experiences in adulthood, few studies have examined their relationship with cognitive flexibility and the role of emotional regulation among college students. This paper aims to synthesize the existing literature on ACEs and cognitive flexibility to understand the underlying mechanisms and variables that shape childhood development and the effects they carry into adulthood. After reviewing the literature, a negative correlation between ACEs and cognitive flexibility was consistently found. Future research should focus on college students, who remain understudied, to strengthen prevention and intervention strategies.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ferhat Karaman

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences