The study aims to challenge stigmas surrounding the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on marital relationship satisfaction. It recognizes the significant influence of upbringing on individuals' capacity for healthy relationships, especially in Filipino culture, where parental involvement in romantic relationships is common. The stigma suggests individuals with ACEs lack the ability to heal and engage in nurturing relationships. Thus, the study evaluates the correlation between ACEs and marital satisfaction to address this perception. The researchers collected 194 responses from Metro Manila using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and the Relationship Assessment Questionnaire to understand the relationship between ACEs and marital satisfaction. The coefficient of determination of 0.0217 of ACE accounts for 2.17% of the variability in Relationship Satisfaction scores and the p-value of 0.041 presented significance at p<0.05. Although the study revealed a significant relationship between ACEs and marital satisfaction, the explained variance was relatively low. This suggests that other factors beyond ACEs may contribute to relationship outcomes. Future research could explore these aspects to develop more comprehensive interventions for individuals with ACEs. Additionally, qualitative studies could provide deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between ACEs and marital satisfaction, aiding in the development of targeted interventions and stigma reduction efforts.
Keywords: Adverse Childhood Experiences, relationships, marital satisfaction