The current study aimed to examine the effect of adverse childhood experiences on mental and physical health, forgiveness and spirituality. A total of 579 adults between the ages of 18 and 32 years completed an online survey. Participants were asked to report demographics and completed various measures. A total of 579 adults between the ages of 18 and 32 years were recruited through a university in New York and completed an online survey. Results from this study found that adverse childhood experiences predicted poor self-reported health, a greater number of somatic symptoms, and a greater number of symptoms of depression in adulthood. In addition, early life adversity had a negative impact on spiritual well-being and forgiveness in adulthood. The data from this study did not find a statistically significant moderation effect between spiritual well-being and adverse childhood events on self-reported health, somatic symptoms, and symptoms of depression. However, the study found that forgiveness mediated the relationship between early life adversity and self-reported health and symptoms of depression. These findings provide evidence that early life adversity has a lasting impact on mental and physical health in adults. The findings of the study highlight the importance of forgiveness as a protective factor in mental health and physical health, and its potential benefits as an intervention strategy that can be used to deal with mental and physical health issues that have been caused by adverse childhood experiences. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]