<p>This study examines the moderating role of friendship quality (FQ) in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and self-compassion among Chinese undergraduates. ACEs are known to contribute to long-term emotional and psychological challenges, including diminished self-compassion. Self-compassion, which involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding during times of difficulty, is often undermined in individuals exposed to significant childhood adversity. This study posits that high-quality friendships may buffer the negative impact of ACEs on self-compassion. Data were collected from a sample of 24,445 undergraduate students in Yunnan Province, China. Participants completed validated assessments measuring their experiences of ACEs, levels of self-compassion, and the quality of their friendships. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between ACEs and self-compassion, aligning with the hypothesis that higher exposure to childhood adversity is associated with lower levels of self-compassion. Notably, the study found that FQ significantly moderated this relationship. Higher FQ mitigates the negative impact of ACEs on self-compassion. These findings highlight the potential for interventions focused on enhancing FQ to support undergraduates who have experienced childhood adversity, ultimately fostering self-compassion and better mental health outcomes.</p>