Do adverse childhood experiences contribute to social isolation in young single-person households? A sex-based inquiry

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with increased social isolation in adulthood. This study examines the relationship between ACEs and social isolation among young adults living alone and investigates whether this association varies between females and males. Methods: Data were obtained from the “2021 Youth Social and Economic Survey” conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute of Korea. A hierarchical regression analysis and a simple slope test were performed on 445 young adults living alone in Korea (Mean age = 28.01, Standard Deviation = 4.08, males 59.3%, females 40.7%). Results: The findings indicated that a higher number of ACEs was associated with greater social isolation and that this relationship was significantly moderated by sex, with ACEs having a stronger impact on social isolation in females than in males. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for sex-specific interventions. Females may benefit from programs aimed at strengthening emotional support and social relationships, while males may respond more effectively to interventions that encourage participation in structured activities such as group programs and sports. Future research should further investigate how ACEs influence social isolation across diverse sex identities and develop targeted intervention strategies.