Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Depression Among Chinese College Students: A Mediated Moderation Model of “Shift-and-Persist” Strategy and Perceived Everyday Discrimination

(1) Background: the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on depression is well-documented. Identifying protective factors to counteract ACEs’ detrimental effects is vital for public mental health. The efficacy of the “shift-and-persist” strategy as a mitigating factor against ACEs’ impact remains to be clarified. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between ACEs and depression by testing a mediated moderation model, focusing on the moderating role of the “shift-and-persist” strategy and the mediating role of perceived everyday discrimination. (2) Methods: the research involved 1263 university students from Henan Province, China. A cross-sectional design was employed to test our theoretical model. Participants completed an online survey with assistance from trained research assistants. (3) Results: the study found that ACEs are a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in Chinese college students. The “shift-and-persist” strategy serves as a protective factor; high levels of this strategy weaken the predictive effect of ACEs on depression. Additionally, this strategy reduces the incidence of perceived everyday discrimination (PED) among those with ACEs, thereby alleviating depressive symptoms. (4) Conclusions: the “shift-and-persist” strategy effectively reduces PED and, consequently, depressive symptoms in individuals with ACEs, highlighting its potential as a protective factor in mental health interventions.