Book of Abstracts

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between adverse childhood and adolescent experiences and psychological resilience and social competence among individuals of different sexual orientations. In addition, the study examined whether non-heterosexual individuals differ significantly from heterosexual individuals in the intensity of the measured variables. A total of 448 individuals participated in the online survey, including 179 heterosexual individuals (M_age = 27.13; SD = 7.25) and 269 non-heterosexual individuals (M_age = 25.23; SD = 7.47), with a predominance of women (61.2%). The instruments included the Childhood and Adolescence Trauma Experience Questionnaire (KDD-58), the Resilience Measurement Scale (SPP-25) , and the Social Competence Questionnaire (KKS). In the study, the correlation matrix was computed using Pearson’s r coefficient. Between-group comparisons were conducted with the Mann–Whitney U test. Effect size for group differences was estimated using the rank biserial correlation coefficient. (r_g). Non-heterosexual individuals scored significantly higher in traumatic experiences (r_g = .357) and significantly lower in psychological resilience (r_g = .301) and social competence (r_g = .251) compared to heterosexual individuals. In the non-heterosexual group, traumatic experiences were negatively correlated with resilience (r = –.171; p = .005) and social competence (r = –.223; p < .001). Psychological resilience was strongly correlated with social competence (r = .745; p < .001). The results reveal significant differences in traumatic experiences and psychosocial functioning between heterosexual and non-heterosexual individuals, as well as a significant link between early trauma and psychosocial functioning in the LGBTQ+ population.