Early-life adversities are associated with anxiety and somatic symptoms among university students: Moderation by family support

Background Early-life adversity has been shown to predict physical and mental health issues in adulthood. However, few studies have examined the relationship between early-life adversity and anxiety and somatic symptoms among Chinese university students, as well as the buffering effect of family support. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to survey 485 undergraduate students from a university in Western China. Data were collected using the Early-Life Adversity Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8), and the family support subscale of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the main effects of early-life adversity on anxiety and somatic symptoms, as well as the moderating effect of family support. Results Early-life adversity significantly and positively predicted anxiety (β = 0.387, p < 0.01) and somatic symptoms (β = 0.597, p < 0.01). Family support significantly negatively moderated the relationship between early-life adversity and anxiety/somatic symptoms (interaction term β = -0.164 / -0.181, p < 0.01). The buffering effect of family support was stronger for anxiety (nearly complete buffering) than for somatic symptoms (partial buffering). Conclusion Early-life adversity is a significant risk factor for anxiety and somatic symptoms among Chinese university students. Family support can buffer the long-term association between early-life adversity and these symptoms. Integrating family support into university health intervention systems may help alleviate anxiety and somatic symptoms among students.