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Contextual risk factors, such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), have a significant impact on the mental health of Black youth. Surprisingly, few studies focus efforts specifically on Black youth. The present study investigates the influence of ACEs on psychological distress among Black youth. Additionally, guided by social cognitive theory, this study highlights emotional self-control as a protective mechanism against the negative consequences of ACEs. Our findings show that ACEs (T1) predicted psychological distress among Black youth a year later (T2). Emotional self-control emerged as a significant buffer of ACEs on the association with psychological distress. Thus, to prevent negative mental health outcomes for Black youth, it is imperative to focus prevention efforts on the crucial risk factors that affect healthy development. By working to increase emotional self-control among Black youth who suffered adverse childhood experiences, negative mental health outcomes over time can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although childhood experiences are widely recognized for their potential impact on adult health and happiness, clinical practices apt to solicit and process such experiences with adult clients are often not described in sufficient detail to offer meaningful guidance. The present paper describes how to use the Important Childhood Events (ICE) scale to anchor psychotherapeutic work with parents of extremely high-risk youth in intensive home-based treatment, where childhood experiences may ultimately provide a salient port of entry into identifying and addressing parents' perceptions of their own children's difficulties. We aim to contribute to trauma-informed and mentalization-based clinical practices, particularly for clinicians who are working with families affected by complex, intergenerational trauma in the context of social marginalization. We do this by operationalizing steps in the therapeutic process to prepare both parent and clinician for such difficult conversations, and by describing clinical vignettes which illustrate interventions to foster mentalizing and repair in response to avoidance or dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unhoused children and adolescents have high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The objective of this study was to characterize a large cohort of unhoused children and investigate rates of psychiatric diagnoses, medical diagnoses, and utilization of emergency department (ED) resources depending on the presence of additional documented ACEs. A retrospective cohort of all unhoused children who presented to the ED of a large Midwestern health system from January 2014 to July 2019 were included. Unhoused status was determined by address field or ICD-10 code for homelessness (Z59.0). Demographics and ED visits were extracted from the electronic health record. Past medical history, ACEs, chief complaint (CC), length of stay (LOS), imaging, and labs were extracted by chart review. T-tests, chi square tests, and Fisher's exact tests were completed for each sub-analysis. Unhoused children with at least one additional ACE had higher odds of the following psychiatric disorders: depression (OR = 5.2, 95% CI = 3.4- 7.9), anxiety (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 32.1–5.5), behavioral disorder (OR = 7.2, 95% CI = 35.1- 10.4), psychoses (OR = 6.0, 1.9–18.4), bipolar disorder (OR = 19.8, 95% CI = 34.6–84.9), suicidal ideation (OR = 8.0, 95% CI = 34.8–13.4), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 10.1, 95% CI = 35.4–18.6), and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (OR = 4.1, 3.0–5.7). Patients with additional documented ACEs were also more likely to have a prior psychiatric admission (p < 0.001). Unhoused children and adolescents with exposure to additional documented ACEs are more likely to have some serious psychiatric and medical diagnoses compared to other unhoused children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of research documenting the impact of traumatic stress on child development, which has resulted in a call to action for trauma-informed practices as a priority, yet implementation within schools and training for educators is lacking (American Academy of Physicians, https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/ttb%5faces%5fconsequences.pdf, 2014). Understanding teachers' perceptions regarding current levels of knowledge, self-efficacy, and trauma-informed training can help guide future professional development experiences for both pre-service and practising teachers. This study investigated the knowledge, self-efficacy, and training of trauma-informed practices as self-reported by primary educators, serving in grades kindergarten through third-grade, within two regions of Tennessee and Virginia. The Primary Early Childhood Educators Trauma-Informed Care Survey for Knowledge, Confidence, and Relationship Building (PECE-TICKCR) scale was adapted from the TIC-DS scale (Goodwin-Glick in Impact of trauma-informed care professional development of school personnel perceptions of knowledge, disposition, and behaviours towards traumatised students, Graduate College of Bowling Green State University, 2017), validated, and created for the purpose of this study. The sample consisted of 218 primary educators who completed an online survey regarding personal knowledge, self-efficacy, and training experiences of trauma-informed practices. Correlations revealed a statistical significance between the Knowledge of Trauma factor and the Confidence in Providing Trauma-Informed Strategies factor. There was also a statistical significance between the Knowledge of Trauma factor and the Confidence in Creating Supportive relationships factor and between the Confidence in Providing Trauma-Informed Strategies factor and the Confidence in Creating Supportive Relationships factor. The findings indicated that teachers need more knowledge regarding community resources for families and students but feel confident in providing supportive relationships. Teachers also are interested in more training events related to strategies to use when working with students exposed to trauma. Implications for teacher preparation programs and professional development training for practising teachers is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First Nations adults continue to experience significant health disparities compared to non-First Nations adults in Canada. Ongoing difficulties associated with intergenerational trauma among First Nations peoples may be examined using the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) model, which measures various forms of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. We examined prevalence rates of ACEs and physical and mental health outcomes within a predominately First Nation sample of clients seeking substance use treatment from a First Nations-led treatment facility. The prevalence of ACEs was higher than national averages and previous data collected with broader Indigenous samples in Canada. Descriptive analyses of ACEs and health outcomes for those seeking First Nations-led substance use treatment showed these participants had more chronic health difficulties co-morbid with clinical levels of problematic substance use. To improve ongoing best-treatment options for those seeking substance use treatment, continued assessment and promotion of broader aspects of health and wellbeing are required, including the balance of physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health and wellbeing across a lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) demonstrates that they can be associated with physical and mental health problems throughout the lifecourse. However, few studies have examined this topic in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLC). Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of ACEs on mental health and suicidal behaviors in a sample of participants from the CPLC. Participants and Setting: The sample consists of 1006 participants aged between 18 and 80 years (mean = 41.76; SD = 14.19). Methods: This study used an online survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) to assess somatization, depression, and anxiety symptoms, and overall mental functioning, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) to assess suicidal behaviors, and the Family Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire to assess ACEs. Results: Emotional abuse was the most reported ACE (32.7%). Participants from Brazil had higher levels of somatization, depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation and attempt, while participants from Portugal had a higher probability of suicide in the future. ACEs were strong and significant predictors of psychological symptoms and the likelihood of suicide in the future, with emotional abuse and emotional neglect being the domains with the greatest contribution, respectively. Conclusions: ACEs are a prevalent and general phenomenon across several countries. It is urgent to alert policymakers and mental health professionals of the need to intervene with children and families to ensure their harmonious and adjusted development, thus promoting quality of life and well-being of populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), scientific interest is on the rise, yet its developmental course remains understudied. Factors that may influence NSSI behavior are also unclear, although early research describes it as a maladaptive form of emotion regulation. In a college student sample (N = 507), the current study examines the extent that developmental timing of, and cumulative exposure to, potentially traumatic events (PTEs) accounts for variance in NSSI frequency, duration, and desistance, as well as the role that emotion regulation difficulties (ERD) play. Of 507 participants, 411 endorsed PTE exposure and were categorized into developmental groups based on age of initial PTE exposure, with the hypothesis that initial exposure during early childhood and adolescence may represent particularly sensitive risk periods. Results revealed that cumulative PTE exposure was significantly positively associated with shorter NSSI desistance, whereas ERD were significantly negatively associated with shorter NSSI desistance. However, the interaction between cumulative PTE exposure, when coupled with current ERD significantly moderated (i.e., strengthened) the path between cumulative PTE exposure and NSSI desistance. When examined individually, this interaction was only significant for the early childhood group, suggesting that the effects of PTE exposure on NSSI persistence may vary not only as a function of emotion regulation capacities but also when in the developmental course initial PTE exposure occurs. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of PTE and timing, as well as ERD, in predicting NSSI behavior, and can inform programs and policies to prevent and curtail self-harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is little investigation into the causes of food addiction. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of early life influences on the development of food addiction in college-attending young adults aged 18–29. Methods: This study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design. College-attending young adults were invited to complete an online survey measuring Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), food addiction, depression, anxiety, stress, and demographic information. Correlations between food addiction and the other variables were analyzed and significant variables were placed into a nominal logistic regression model to predict the development of food addiction. Participants who met the criteria for food addiction were invited to participate in interviews to examine their childhood eating environment and when their symptoms emerged. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Quantitative analysis was conducted using JMP Pro Version 16.0 and qualitative analysis was conducted using NVIVO Software Version 12.0. Results: Survey respondents (n = 1645) had an overall 21.9% prevalence of food addiction. Significant correlations were observed between food addiction and ACEs, depression, anxiety, stress, and sex (p <.01 for all). Depression was the only significant predictor of the development of food addiction (OR = 3.33 95% CI 2.19, 5.05). The most common eating environment described by interview participants (n = 36) was an emphasis on diet culture, ideal body image, and restrictive environments. Symptoms frequently emerged after transitioning into college and having the ability to make their own food choices. Conclusion: These results show the impact of early life eating environments and young adulthood mental health on the development of food addiction. These findings contribute to the understanding of underlying causes of food addiction. Level of evidence: Level V, Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are consistently found to be negatively associated with physical, psychological, and psychosocial well-being throughout the lifespan. While previous research has established risk factors and noxious outcomes arising post-ACEs, less attention has been given to factors such as resilience, perceived social support, and subjective well-being that may help explain the relationship between ACEs and psychopathology. Hence, the objectives of this study are to examine: (1) the relationships among ACEs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality in adulthood, and (2) whether resilience, social support, and subjective well-being mediate the relationship between ACEs and psychopathological symptoms. Cross-sectional data on ACEs, psychological factors, potential mediating variables, and sociodemographic factors were collected from a community sample of adults aged 18–81 (N = 296) via an on-line survey. Endorsing ACEs was significantly and positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Results of parallel mediation analyses showed that social support, negative affect, and life satisfaction statistically mediated the relationships between ACEs and psychopathological outcomes in adulthood. These results highlight the importance of identifying potential mediators of the ACEs-psychopathological symptoms relationship to aid in the development of screening and intervention practices that could bolster developmental outcomes following traumatic childhood experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy have lasting implications for both women and infant health. Adverse childhood experiences and stressful life events have been associated with pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain. However, the effect of each has been examined independently and scant work has investigated the effects of both in the same analysis. The current study examined the unique and conjoint effects of adverse childhood experiences and recent stressful life events on women's pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain. Methods: A racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of 176 pregnant women completed questionnaires and anthropometric measurements during the third trimester and two months postpartum. Results: Maternal adverse childhood experiences were uniquely associated with pre-pregnancy BMI (β = 0.21, p =.02), but not gestational weight gain. Recent stressful life events did not uniquely predict pre-pregnancy BMI or gestational weight gain, nor did it explain the association between adverse childhood experiences and pre-pregnancy BMI. Adverse childhood experiences and recent stressful life events did not interact to predict either of the women's weight outcomes. Discussion: Adverse childhood experiences have lasting unique effects on women's pre-pregnancy BMI. Obesity is related to several perinatal health issues for the mother and child, thus understanding the effects of childhood adversity on women's weight outcomes is critical. Routine screening for ACEs among women of childbearing age and pregnant women, paired with referrals and educational resources, can mitigate the deleterious effects of childhood adversity on women and infant health. Significance Statement: What is Already Known on This Subject?: Adverse childhood experiences and stressful life events during pregnancy have lasting detrimental effects on women's health outcomes during and after the perinatal period. Most studies have examined these effects separately, and little is known about the joint effects of each risk factor on women's weight outcomes during the perinatal period. What This Study Adds?: This study demonstrates that above and beyond the effects of recent stressful life events, maternal ACEs were negatively associated with pre-pregnancy BMI. Findings suggest that interventions aimed at mitigating the deleterious effects of ACEs on women's weight outcomes prior to becoming pregnant are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most adults in the United States report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), with around a quarter of the population reporting three or more. ACEs impact adult biological (e.g., hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and psychosocial (e.g., loneliness) functioning, including cognitive patterns in stressful situations. As one example, pain catastrophizing is an emotional and cognitive reaction to pain that is closely related to low distress tolerance. We hypothesized that women with more ACEs would report greater levels of pain catastrophizing in adulthood, an effect potentially mediated via higher levels of loneliness (i.e., perceived lack of social support). Biologically female participants (N=109; 39.8±14.0 years of age; 83.5% white) were recruited through Mechanical Turk and a university online recruitment tool, and completed an online survey including demographics, the 10-item Adverse Childhood Events Scale, the 13-item Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. A bootstrapped mediation analysis examined the relationships between ACEs and pain catastrophizing via loneliness. Results indicated that loneliness had a significant indirect effect on the relationship between ACEs and pain catastrophizing (indirect effect=0.69; 99% CI=0.15–1.40) such that increased ACEs were related to greater loneliness, which, in turn, was related to greater pain catastrophizing. The present study adds to the literature by suggesting that loneliness is a possible mechanism by which ACEs adversely impact cognitive and emotional well-being in adulthood. Per social cognitive theory, loneliness influences social cognitions, which might make dealing with stressful situations such as pain more difficult and, therefore, increase one's catastrophic thinking patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in parental history have been associated with higher self-reported rates of negative parenting behaviors and lower self-reported rates of positive parenting behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the association between parental ACEs and the observed parent–child interaction quality. Parent–child interactions are a potential pathway behind the continuity of ACEs across generations.This review aimed to expand on existing literature by synthesizing evidence on the associations between parental ACEs and parent–child interactions, assessed through videotaped observations, the gold standard for interaction assessment.A systematic literature search conducted in October 2022 in Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo identified twenty-four articles. The studies assessed parental childhood adversity and the quality of parent–child interaction across high- and low-risk samples.In 79% of studies, higher rates of childhood adversity were related to lower quality of observed parent–child interaction. Childhood abuse and neglect were linked to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviors. Among household challenges, only witnessing family violence negatively impacted interaction quality. In 58% of studies, ACEs directly influenced interaction, while in 21% this effect was mediated by other factors. This pattern held across different sample types.The evidence suggesting a relationship between parental ACEs and lower quality of parent–child interaction is robust, given the reliability and validity of observational measures. Considering the influence of the quality of parent–child interaction on a child’s development, interventions and prevention programs focusing on parent–child interaction should consider screening for parental ACEs.Objective: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in parental history have been associated with higher self-reported rates of negative parenting behaviors and lower self-reported rates of positive parenting behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the association between parental ACEs and the observed parent–child interaction quality. Parent–child interactions are a potential pathway behind the continuity of ACEs across generations.This review aimed to expand on existing literature by synthesizing evidence on the associations between parental ACEs and parent–child interactions, assessed through videotaped observations, the gold standard for interaction assessment.A systematic literature search conducted in October 2022 in Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo identified twenty-four articles. The studies assessed parental childhood adversity and the quality of parent–child interaction across high- and low-risk samples.In 79% of studies, higher rates of childhood adversity were related to lower quality of observed parent–child interaction. Childhood abuse and neglect were linked to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviors. Among household challenges, only witnessing family violence negatively impacted interaction quality. In 58% of studies, ACEs directly influenced interaction, while in 21% this effect was mediated by other factors. This pattern held across different sample types.The evidence suggesting a relationship between parental ACEs and lower quality of parent–child interaction is robust, given the reliability and validity of observational measures. Considering the influence of the quality of parent–child interaction on a child’s development, interventions and prevention programs focusing on parent–child interaction should consider screening for parental ACEs.Methods: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in parental history have been associated with higher self-reported rates of negative parenting behaviors and lower self-reported rates of positive parenting behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the association between parental ACEs and the observed parent–child interaction quality. Parent–child interactions are a potential pathway behind the continuity of ACEs across generations.This review aimed to expand on existing literature by synthesizing evidence on the associations between parental ACEs and parent–child interactions, assessed through videotaped observations, the gold standard for interaction assessment.A systematic literature search conducted in October 2022 in Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo identified twenty-four articles. The studies assessed parental childhood adversity and the quality of parent–child interaction across high- and low-risk samples.In 79% of studies, higher rates of childhood adversity were related to lower quality of observed parent–child interaction. Childhood abuse and neglect were linked to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviors. Among household challenges, only witnessing family violence negatively impacted interaction quality. In 58% of studies, ACEs directly influenced interaction, while in 21% this effect was mediated by other factors. This pattern held across different sample types.The evidence suggesting a relationship between parental ACEs and lower quality of parent–child interaction is robust, given the reliability and validity of observational measures. Considering the influence of the quality of parent–child interaction on a child’s development, interventions and prevention programs focusing on parent–child interaction should consider screening for parental ACEs.Results: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in parental history have been associated with higher self-reported rates of negative parenting behaviors and lower self-reported rates of positive parenting behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the association between parental ACEs and the observed parent–child interaction quality. Parent–child interactions are a potential pathway behind the continuity of ACEs across generations.This review aimed to expand on existing literature by synthesizing evidence on the associations between parental ACEs and parent–child interactions, assessed through videotaped observations, the gold standard for interaction assessment.A systematic literature search conducted in October 2022 in Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo identified twenty-four articles. The studies assessed parental childhood adversity and the quality of parent–child interaction across high- and low-risk samples.In 79% of studies, higher rates of childhood adversity were related to lower quality of observed parent–child interaction. Childhood abuse and neglect were linked to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviors. Among household challenges, only witnessing family violence negatively impacted interaction quality. In 58% of studies, ACEs directly influenced interaction, while in 21% this effect was mediated by other factors. This pattern held across different sample types.The evidence suggesting a relationship between parental ACEs and lower quality of parent–child interaction is robust, given the reliability and validity of observational measures. Considering the influence of the quality of parent–child interaction on a child’s development, interventions and prevention programs focusing on parent–child interaction should consider screening for parental ACEs.Conclusions: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in parental history have been associated with higher self-reported rates of negative parenting behaviors and lower self-reported rates of positive parenting behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the association between parental ACEs and the observed parent–child interaction quality. Parent–child interactions are a potential pathway behind the continuity of ACEs across generations.This review aimed to expand on existing literature by synthesizing evidence on the associations between parental ACEs and parent–child interactions, assessed through videotaped observations, the gold standard for interaction assessment.A systematic literature search conducted in October 2022 in Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo identified twenty-four articles. The studies assessed parental childhood adversity and the quality of parent–child interaction across high- and low-risk samples.In 79% of studies, higher rates of childhood adversity were related to lower quality of observed parent–child interaction. Childhood abuse and neglect were linked to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviors. Among household challenges, only witnessing family violence negatively impacted interaction quality. In 58% of studies, ACEs directly influenced interaction, while in 21% this effect was mediated by other factors. This pattern held across different sample types.The evidence suggesting a relationship between parental ACEs and lower quality of parent–child interaction is robust, given the reliability and validity of observational measures. Considering the influence of the quality of parent–child interaction on a child’s development, interventions and prevention programs focusing on parent–child interaction should consider screening for parental ACEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked with attachment insecurity and psychopathology. However, some individuals remain securely attached and resilient following ACEs. Researchers have examined polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), particularly rs53576, as a source of resilience, though examination of the biological mechanism by which rs53576 buffers the relation that would otherwise exist between ACEs and attachment insecurity is absent. The aim of the current study was to examine how ACEs interact with individual genetic and immune vulnerability to shape attachment security in older adolescents and young adults (n = 201). Moderated mediational models were tested in which ACEs acted as independent variables, attachment security acted as a dependent variable, inflammation (i.e., IL-6) was tested as a mediator, and rs53576 (i.e., AA, AG, GG genotypes) was tested as a moderator. Results indicated that physical abuse was significantly associated with decreased attachment security, with moderation by rs53576. A significant main effect of rs53576 on IL-6 was also noted. A similar pattern of results was evident across other ACEs and suggests that the effects of ACEs on attachment are buffered by the GG genotype. Association between GG and lower IL-6 suggests inflammation plays some role, though more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly, adversity-focused assessment tools are being introduced into preventive mental health screening protocols. However, few studies have explicitly examined whether use of these instruments serves as equitable, clinically useful measures of mental health risk in adolescents. In response, the present study examined whether an adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) measure was accurate and fair as an index of environmental risk for adolescent mental health diagnoses. Secondary data analyses were conducted on the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement. Adolescents (N = 10,148; AgeMean = 15.20; 51.3% male; 65.6% White, 15.1% Black, and 14.4% Hispanic) answered ten questions concerning childhood adversities and completed diagnostic interviews for PTSD, depression, and externalizing disorders. In the overall sample, ACEs showed some clinical utility (e.g., area under the curve (AUCs) ≥ 0.64), diagnostic likelihood ratios (DLRs) > 4.0) and acceptable calibration (i.e., expected/observed indices' confidence intervals included 1) across diagnoses. Within subpopulations, however, predictive validity varied. The AUCs were lower for multiple diagnoses in Black male and Hispanic female adolescents and DLRs suggested greater clinical utility for indexing mental health in White, female adolescents. Finally, models were not well-calibrated between adolescent subpopulations, suggesting recommended ACEs screening can potentially produce biased results when used to inform mental health policy and prevention. Reasons for why results from ACEs screening may vary across adolescent subpopulations and the importance of testing statistical fairness for preventive mental health screening are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem gambling and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are highly co-morbid and lead to numerous adverse health outcomes. Research demonstrates that greater levels of well-being protect individuals from experiencing ACE-related harms after a history of childhood adversity; however, this relationship has not been examined in the gambling literature. We hypothesized that individuals who experienced ACEs would engage in more problem gambling behaviors. We also hypothesized that individuals who experienced ACEs and reported flourishing mental health would have lower rates of problem gambling than individuals who experienced ACEs but did not report flourishing mental health. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the adult sample in the Well-Being and Experiences (WE) Study. Examining a parent population, parents and caregivers (N = 1000; Mage = 45.2 years; 86.5% female) of adolescents were interviewed on a variety of measures, including their history of ACEs, their gambling behaviors within the past year, and their mental health and well-being. We used multinomial logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between 15 ACEs and gambling type (i.e., non-gambler, non-problem gambler, at-risk/problem gambler). We used interaction terms between each ACE and mental health to examine the moderating role of flourishing mental health and well-being. ACEs were associated with at-risk/problem gambling supporting hypothesis 1. Contrary to hypothesis 2, overall, flourishing mental health did not moderate the relationship between ACEs and gambling severity except for one ACE. In this study, we were able to gain a better understanding of how different ACEs each contribute to varying levels of gambling severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the known impact of exposure to adversity on academic outcomes, the role of adversity, particularly expanded forms of adversity, is overlooked within school discipline. Disproportionate application of exclusionary discipline is known to feed disparate educational and criminal justice pathways, particularly for Black and Indigenous males. The objective of this constructivist grounded theory study was to understand the experiences and needs of students who have been suspended or expelled, to inform practice and policy in education. The following research question was addressed: (1) What situations, supports or experiences have positively or negatively influenced the academic journey of students who have been suspended or expelled? Participants (n = 31) were recruited through suspension and expulsion programs in two school boards in urban and urban emergent areas of Ontario. Fifteen students, aged 14–19, were interviewed, (male, n = 11; Black, n = 10) and 16 multidisciplinary staff. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through constructivist grounded theory methodology. Three interconnected themes, exposure to adversity, connection, and access to resources emerged as influencing students who have been suspended or expelled. Exposure to adversity negatively impacted school success, reinforcing biased perspectives of students, blocking connection, and influencing access to resources throughout students' education, including at the point of discipline. The findings point towards the importance of explicit trauma-informed and culturally aware policy that fosters connection and ensures adequate resources for schools, communities, and students most impacted by expanded forms of adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Research has demonstrated that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were related to elevated lifetime risk of developing obesity, but the underlying mechanisms between ACEs and development of obesity are yet to be fully elucidated. The current study aims to extend exiting evidence on underlying mechanisms between ACEs and development of obesity by examining whether depressive symptom and binge eating symptom have independently significant mediating effects on the association. Methods: The study used data from a total of 473 patients seeking bariatric surgery who completed psychological evaluation including ACEs, depressive symptom, and binge eating scale as a part of presurgical multidisciplinary weight management consultations. Mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS to examine the research objective. Results: The study found that depressive symptom uniquely mediated the relationship between ACEs and obesity, but binge eating symptom did not significantly mediate the relationship independently of depression. Conclusions: The unique role of depression in relation to childhood trauma in this study argues for more focus on a mental health intervention with bariatric patients during the preoperative period. Addressing ACEs for bariatric patients who present psychiatric symptoms during preoperative process could have potential benefits to patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is shining a spotlight on health disparities that have long been overlooked in our society. The intersection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), longstanding health disparities, and COVID-19 cannot be ignored. The accumulation of traumatic events throughout the childhood and adolescent years can cause toxic stress in the absence of supportive adults. This repetitive activation of the stress response system can be a catalyst to long-term, negative effects on both the body and brain. A major factor to appreciate is that ACEs do not affect all populations equally. ACEs disproportionately affect groups that have been historically oppressed. The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights this point when observing both case rates and fatality rates of the virus and has the potential to create a new series of long-term health conditions that will disproportionately affect marginalized communities. A foundational first and critical step of adopting a trauma-informed approach will help lead to system change, advance equity, and create a setting of mutuality and empowerment for our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict poor outcomes in adolescence, including delinquency and internalizing symptoms such as posttraumatic stress. In the current study, we investigated the hypothesis that hope has protective effects for adolescents by reducing the strength of associations between ACEs and delinquency and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Participants included 1236 adolescents from 13 schools in a large metropolitan area. ACEs were directly associated with both delinquency and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Direct associations between hope and both delinquency and posttraumatic stress were also found, such that greater hope was associated with fewer delinquent behaviors and fewer posttraumatic stress symptoms. Hope also functioned as a moderator; higher levels of hope weakened the strength of the association between ACEs and delinquency. In exploratory follow-up subgroup analyses, this pattern was supported among 6th grade students, but not among 9th grade students. Implications of these findings for preventive interventions are discussed. Highlights: The current study examined hope as a moderator of relationships between ACEs and delinquency as well as ACEs and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Hope is associated with fewer delinquent behaviors and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Hope is a protective factor for adolescents at risk of poor outcomes due to delinquent behaviors. The protective effects of hope differ for children in 6th versus 9th grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pediatric primary care setting offers a promising platform for delivering positive parenting interventions as a strategy to prevent childhood adversity and behavioral health issues. This pilot project assessed parents' acceptability and perspectives of Parent ConnextTM, a positive parenting and prevention program that includes screening for parenting and family psychosocial concerns by pediatricians and individualized parent coaching for parents by co-located Parenting Specialists. Eleven pediatric practices implemented Parent ConnextTM over a three year period, and 1,301 families participated in parent coaching. Parents were invited to complete surveys on parenting and psychosocial factors at sessions 1, 3, and 3 months follow-up and were emailed a satisfaction survey after their last session and invited to participate in a phone interview. A subsample of 280 biological mothers who completed surveys at multiple time points showed improved parenting satisfaction, parenting efficacy, and parent-child interaction and reduced psychosocial concerns over time. The majority (≥97%) of the 387 parents who completed the satisfaction survey reported satisfaction with the accessibility, convenience, and quality of the parent coaching service. Nearly all 27 parents interviewed (96%) reported being highly likely to recommend the service to a friend or parent, and most (84%) felt their needs had been met. Parents described the key program attributes to include normalization of their experiences, non-judgmental support, easy-to-implement tailored strategies, and empowerment in parenting. Overall, parents found Parent ConnextTM to be a worthwhile addition to their pediatric primary care. Alternative payment models are needed to support the sustainability of integrated programs like Parent ConnextTM. Highlights: Parenting Specialists provided parent coaching to parents at 11 pediatric practices. Parenting efficacy, parenting satisfaction, and parent-child interaction improved in participating mothers. 97% of parents were satisfied with the quality and accessibility of parent coaching. Parents most appreciated the normalizing, non-judgmental support and empowerment. Parents found the concrete, tailored parenting strategies received to be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descriptive adverse childhood experience (ACE) prevalence data on parenting women seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is limited, despite this group being one of the fastest growing sub-populations of the opioid epidemic. The aim of this study was to: (1) determine prevalence of ACEs) in a population of parenting women in treatment for OUD, (2) characterize ACEs, and (3) compare study ACE data to Pennsylvania Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (PA BRFSS) to normalize study results. Between 2014 and 2018, ACEs were collected from parenting women (N = 152) enrolled in treatment for OUDs. Results showed on average women were 30.3 years of age (SD 4.6, range 22–41 years) non-Hispanic (87.0%), white (74.0%), and held a high school education or less (76.0%). The mean total ACE score was 4.3 (SD 2.3; range 0–8). Most women reported 4 ≥ ACEs (65.0%), while only 5.0% reported 0 ACEs. The current sample had higher mean ACE score (4.3 PSMDT vs. 1.4 PA BRFSS Data) than PA BRFSS Data. The burden of ACEs in parenting women in treatment for OUD is significant. Understanding the trauma parenting women in drug treatment have experienced, may support efforts to reduce stigma of this population. Public health intervention and policy work that is trauma proactive is needed to address this growing epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is common among adolescents and that exposure to ACEs is associated with an increased risk of depression in adolescents. Furthermore, it is unknown whether resilience and spirituality moderate the association between ACEs and depression in African-American adolescents. Thus, the present study examined the prevalence of ACEs and the association between ACEs and the risk for depression in African-American adolescents and examined whether this association is moderated by resilience and spirituality. Survey data were collected from African-American adolescents who attended youth-targeted events held by churches in Houston, TX. An expanded ACE tool was used to collect data and respondents were dichotomized into two groups based on their summed ACE scores, i.e., 0–3 ACEs versus 4–19 ACEs. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between ACEs and the likelihood of depression and to examine whether this association is moderated by resilience and spirituality. The results indicate that half of the sample had been exposed to four or more ACEs and that ACEs are negatively associated with depression: higher levels of resilience and spirituality suggest a lower likelihood of depression. These results suggest the need to explore the prevalence of cumulative ACEs among homogenous samples of African-American adolescents and the need to continue exploring and addressing the prevalence of individual ACEs among homogenous samples of African-American adolescents. No clinical trials were performed for this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to distressing events before age 18 that can lead to potential mental and physical health consequences. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between ACEs and the risk of dementia in elderly adults who experienced ACEs during childhood, addressing the existing inconsistencies and methodological variations.A comprehensive search strategy was employed across key databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) to identify relevant articles. Our primary outcome was ACEs-dementia risk, and our secondary outcome was mild cognitive impairment risk. A quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and GRADE. A random-effects model was utilized to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity and assess the reliability of the results.Out of 1,376 screened papers, nine studies were included. The studies consisted of two case-control, one prospective cohort, and six retrospective cohort studies conducted in the UK, France, USA, China, and Spain. Five studies were of good methodological quality according to the NOS. according to the GRADE, all outcomes were classified as very low or low quality of evidence. A significant association was observed between ACEs and dementia risk (OR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.20, 1.52; P = 0.00001) and mild cognitive impairment risk (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 0.63, 2.62; P = 0.49). A meta-analysis by type of adversity revealed significant results for the maltreatment subgroup(OR = 1.30; 95% CI 0.07-1.58; P = 0.007; I² = 0%). Subgroup analysis based on the dementia definition revealed no between-subgroup difference (P = 0.71) between tool-based and register/criteria-based subgroups. No possibility of Publication bias was observed upon inspection of the funnel plot.Adverse childhood experiences may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, caution is warranted in interpreting these results due to the limited number of studies. Larger high-quality studies investigating the association between ACEs and dementia risk are needed to confirm the reliability of our results.Methods: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to distressing events before age 18 that can lead to potential mental and physical health consequences. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between ACEs and the risk of dementia in elderly adults who experienced ACEs during childhood, addressing the existing inconsistencies and methodological variations.A comprehensive search strategy was employed across key databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) to identify relevant articles. Our primary outcome was ACEs-dementia risk, and our secondary outcome was mild cognitive impairment risk. A quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and GRADE. A random-effects model was utilized to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity and assess the reliability of the results.Out of 1,376 screened papers, nine studies were included. The studies consisted of two case-control, one prospective cohort, and six retrospective cohort studies conducted in the UK, France, USA, China, and Spain. Five studies were of good methodological quality according to the NOS. according to the GRADE, all outcomes were classified as very low or low quality of evidence. A significant association was observed between ACEs and dementia risk (OR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.20, 1.52; P = 0.00001) and mild cognitive impairment risk (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 0.63, 2.62; P = 0.49). A meta-analysis by type of adversity revealed significant results for the maltreatment subgroup(OR = 1.30; 95% CI 0.07-1.58; P = 0.007; I² = 0%). Subgroup analysis based on the dementia definition revealed no between-subgroup difference (P = 0.71) between tool-based and register/criteria-based subgroups. No possibility of Publication bias was observed upon inspection of the funnel plot.Adverse childhood experiences may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, caution is warranted in interpreting these results due to the limited number of studies. Larger high-quality studies investigating the association between ACEs and dementia risk are needed to confirm the reliability of our results.Results: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to distressing events before age 18 that can lead to potential mental and physical health consequences. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between ACEs and the risk of dementia in elderly adults who experienced ACEs during childhood, addressing the existing inconsistencies and methodological variations.A comprehensive search strategy was employed across key databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) to identify relevant articles. Our primary outcome was ACEs-dementia risk, and our secondary outcome was mild cognitive impairment risk. A quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and GRADE. A random-effects model was utilized to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity and assess the reliability of the results.Out of 1,376 screened papers, nine studies were included. The studies consisted of two case-control, one prospective cohort, and six retrospective cohort studies conducted in the UK, France, USA, China, and Spain. Five studies were of good methodological quality according to the NOS. according to the GRADE, all outcomes were classified as very low or low quality of evidence. A significant association was observed between ACEs and dementia risk (OR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.20, 1.52; P = 0.00001) and mild cognitive impairment risk (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 0.63, 2.62; P = 0.49). A meta-analysis by type of adversity revealed significant results for the maltreatment subgroup(OR = 1.30; 95% CI 0.07-1.58; P = 0.007; I² = 0%). Subgroup analysis based on the dementia definition revealed no between-subgroup difference (P = 0.71) between tool-based and register/criteria-based subgroups. No possibility of Publication bias was observed upon inspection of the funnel plot.Adverse childhood experiences may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, caution is warranted in interpreting these results due to the limited number of studies. Larger high-quality studies investigating the association between ACEs and dementia risk are needed to confirm the reliability of our results.Conclusion: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to distressing events before age 18 that can lead to potential mental and physical health consequences. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between ACEs and the risk of dementia in elderly adults who experienced ACEs during childhood, addressing the existing inconsistencies and methodological variations.A comprehensive search strategy was employed across key databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) to identify relevant articles. Our primary outcome was ACEs-dementia risk, and our secondary outcome was mild cognitive impairment risk. A quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and GRADE. A random-effects model was utilized to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity and assess the reliability of the results.Out of 1,376 screened papers, nine studies were included. The studies consisted of two case-control, one prospective cohort, and six retrospective cohort studies conducted in the UK, France, USA, China, and Spain. Five studies were of good methodological quality according to the NOS. according to the GRADE, all outcomes were classified as very low or low quality of evidence. A significant association was observed between ACEs and dementia risk (OR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.20, 1.52; P = 0.00001) and mild cognitive impairment risk (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 0.63, 2.62; P = 0.49). A meta-analysis by type of adversity revealed significant results for the maltreatment subgroup(OR = 1.30; 95% CI 0.07-1.58; P = 0.007; I² = 0%). Subgroup analysis based on the dementia definition revealed no between-subgroup difference (P = 0.71) between tool-based and register/criteria-based subgroups. No possibility of Publication bias was observed upon inspection of the funnel plot.Adverse childhood experiences may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, caution is warranted in interpreting these results due to the limited number of studies. Larger high-quality studies investigating the association between ACEs and dementia risk are needed to confirm the reliability of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited research on the short-term effects of ACEs on Black children and youth. Black children and youth are disproportionately exposed to abuse, neglect, and other victimizations (Drake et al. 2009; Wade et al. Journal of Family Issues, 17(3), 283–316, 2014). Investigating ACEs will provide a broader understanding of childhood trauma on developmental processes. The current study investigates how ACES impacts psychological distress, substance use, and delinquency among Black children and youth. Hypotheses were tested using a subsample of longitudinal data from 265 participants who were recruited from six school districts in Southeast Michigan. ACEs at T1 significantly predicted depressive symptoms at T2 (β =.19, p <.05), which in turn predicted substance use (β =.20, p <.05), and delinquency (β =.19, p <.05). Psychological distress also mediated the associations between ACEs and substance use, and delinquency. To engage youth in prevention/interventions and practice, it is important to understand the contexts in which they develop i.e. having knowledge on the specific type of victimization instances that Black youth may experience more than their peers as well as the social factors. Therefore, taking a trauma-informed approach that will acknowledge the adverse childhood experiences that youth went through and to understand how these experiences shape their development through adolescence may be efficacious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous research demonstrates that exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with development of obesity. The same mechanisms mediating this relationship could theoretically affect attempts to lose weight in adulthood. However, it is unclear whether or not exposure to ACEs impacts the effectiveness of bariatric surgery. The present study aimed to examine the association of exposure to ACEs to postoperative weight loss outcomes. Materials and Methods: One hundred ninety-eight patients undergoing bariatric surgery were evaluated for their exposure to ACEs, determined by a presurgical questionnaire and recorded as an ACEs score. Percent total weight loss (%TWL) was calculated to evaluate postoperative weight loss at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals postoperatively. One hundred forty-two participants were available for follow-up at the 6-month postoperative interval. Results: The sample consisted of 167 women and 31 men with a mean age of 47.7. Twenty-five percent of participants experienced high exposure to ACEs, defined as experiencing ≥ 4 ACEs. The average %TWL at 6 months was 16.52%. Multilevel modeling found no significant relationship between ACEs score and %TWL at any of the postoperative time intervals, both before and after adjusting for age, sex, and race. Conclusion: High exposure to ACEs was not associated with poorer weight loss outcomes, and participants with a large number of ACEs generally lost the anticipated amount of weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood adversity is strongly associated with poor health and well-being in childhood and adulthood. Young children are at greatest risk during their developmental years. Child care providers can participate in preventing the impact of adversity on children by becoming communities of support for families in need. This project aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of identifying childhood adversity and strengthening family protective factors by incorporating professional development and both universal and targeted interventions that included screening, motivational interviewing, parent cafés, and parenting workshops within ten family and center-based child care programs. A total of 159 caregivers completed the screen about their experiences of adversity, with 60% disclosing adversity during their childhood and 53% disclosing current risk for adversity for their child. An intergenerational association was found between caregivers' past exposure to adversity and their child's current risk (p = 0.023). However, this association was no longer significant (p = 0.14) when accounting for their current protective factors (p = 0.002). Most families (77%) who disclosed moderate to high adversity or risk on the screen participated in a brief interview with their child care provider. Eleven parent events were also conducted with an attendance of 91. Child care providers reported that these interventions were both feasible and beneficial. Caregivers showed significant improvements in protective factors (p = 0.013) over the course of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Academic Competence Evaluation Scales (ACES; DiPerna and Elliott in School Psychol Rev 31(3):293, 2002) is a 73-item teacher rating scale that assesses academic skills and enablers. The ACES Short Form (ASF) is a newly extracted 32-item short form of the ACES that has promising psychometric properties (Anthony and DiPerna in School Psychol Q 32(4):552, 2017; School Mental Health 10(3):314–321, 2018). The goals of this study were to examine the factor structure and extend the psychometric assessment of three subscales of the ASF (interpersonal skills, motivation, and engagement) with an independent sample. Participants were 193 students (63.2% White; 46.1% female) in grades K through 4, in the classrooms of 12 teachers. Teachers completed three subscales of the ACES and reported on student inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, social functioning, and academic functioning. We also obtained parent and peer assessments of student social functioning. Results corroborated the factor structure found by Anthony and DiPerna (School Mental Health 10(3):314–321, 2018) and the high internal consistency (α's >.90; ω's >.80) of the three subscales. In an extension of previous work, correlations with parent, peer, and teacher report on other measures provided evidence for convergent and divergent validity of the three ASF subscales. ASF scores also differed significantly for students with and without academic, behavioral, and social difficulties, in a manner similar to that of the ACES. These findings, along with those of Anthony and DiPerna (School Psychol Q 32(4):552, 2017; School Mental Health 10(3):314–321, 2018), provide evidence that the subscales of ASF, although substantially shorter than the respective subscales of the ACES, retain the strong psychometric properties and clinical utility of the full-length measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood educators report high levels of stress. Despite increased attention to holistic models of teacher wellbeing, factors relating to teacher psychological and economic wellbeing are poorly understood. In a sample of 993 early childhood educators who primarily teach underserved children, this study uses a multilevel structural equation modeling framework to examine the relation between educator adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and psychological and economic wellbeing. Results indicate increased educator ACEs relate to decreased psychological and economic wellbeing. Professional development may benefit from a trauma-focused lens, and strategies supporting enhanced economic wellbeing may also alleviate stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be predictors of cannabis use among youth. Our study aimed to examine the prevalence of ACEs and assess the relationship between exposure to individual ACEs and cannabis use behavior among Connecticut high school students. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis using a representative sample of 1760 high school students who participated in the 2021 Connecticut Youth Risk Behavior Survey. We examined lifetime and past 30-day cannabis use history by exposure to eight different ACEs. Group differences were investigated using descriptive statistics and generalized linear models. 20.6% reported lifetime cannabis use and 11.1% reported past 30-day cannabis use. ACEs ranged in prevalence from 5.4% for sexual abuse to 35.6% for verbal abuse. Each ACE examined in this analysis was associated with elevated prevalence of lifetime and past month cannabis use. ACEs were common among Connecticut high school students and students exposed to ACEs were more likely to report using cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited existing research on whether specific combinations of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with different psychiatric disorders among adolescents with ADHD. This study aimed to address this gap by identifying classes of ACEs and examining their association with behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression in adolescents with ADHD aged 11–17 (n = 1,806), using data from the 2018 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). A latent class analysis revealed a four-class solution: (1) low-risk ACEs (61.6%), (2) moderate-risk ACEs (25.2%), (3) high discrimination and neighborhood violence exposure (7.6%), and (4) high-risk ACEs (5.6%). The “high-risk ACEs” and the “high discrimination and neighborhood violence exposure” class showed a higher likelihood of behavioral problems and depression, and anxiety and depression respectively. These findings provide some insight into the ACE patterns that are more likely to be associated with mental health problems among adolescents with ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been found to increase health and mental health risks in adulthood. Previous ACE studies tend to have small samples of Latinos; however, as Latinos are projected to be the largest minority group in the United States, it is important to examine how ACEs are associated with self-reported mental distress and alcohol and/or substance abuse among Latino populations. An ACEs survey was conducted in a predominantly Latino town; the sample included 195 individuals (18 or older), and the majority (92%) identified as Latino. Logistic regression showed that respondents with three or more ACEs, compared to those with no ACEs, were three times more likely to report more days of mental distress and eight times more likely to have alcohol and/or substance abuse problems. Further studies are needed to understand the association between ACEs and behavioral health using culturally and linguistically competent mental health screening tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study leverages psychiatric intake data from treatment-seeking perinatal women aiming to explore the understudied associations between childhood adversity, sleep quality, and severity of perinatal mental illness in this population. The sample is 578 perinatal women presenting for initial evaluation to a university-based perinatal psychiatry clinic. At intake, we collected demographics, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), sleep quality, and diagnosis and symptom severity of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinician-rated diagnoses showed that 65% of women met criteria for major depression, 23% for generalized anxiety disorder and 4% for PTSD; almost 30% of women had childhood adversity and 98.2% reported poor perinatal sleep quality. Regression analyses revealed differential associations between ACEs and sleep quality and perinatal mood symptoms; ACEs were significantly associated with pregnancy and postpartum PTSD, whereas sleep quality was associated with perinatal depression and generalized anxiety. Screening for ACEs and sleep quality during perinatal intake has high clinical utility, as these two factors significantly contribute to symptom severity across peripartum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has provided a valuable framework for understanding associations between childhood maltreatment and family dysfunction and later poor health outcomes. However, increasing research suggests the number and types of childhood adversities measured warrants further examination. This study examines ACE exposure among adults who experienced homelessness in childhood, another type of childhood adversity. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive study used the 2016 South Carolina (SC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey and additional ACE modules to examine ACE exposure among SC adults and childhood homelessness. Standard descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Bivariate analysis compared types and number of ACEs by childhood homeless status. All analyses used survey sampling weights that accounted for the BRFSS sampling strategy. Results Data from 7490 respondents were weighted for analyses. Among the 215 respondents who reported homelessness in childhood, 68.1% reported experiencing four or more ACEs. In contrast, only 16.3% of respondents who reported no homelessness in childhood reported experiencing four or more ACEs. The percent of respondents was significantly higher for each of 11 ACEs among those who reported childhood homelessness, compared to those who did not. Conclusions for Practice Adults who reported homelessness in childhood also reported significantly greater exposure to higher numbers and types of ACEs than adults reporting no childhood homelessness. Study findings can be important in informing additional indicators important to the assessment of ACEs and to program developers or organizations that provide housing assistance to at-risk families and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the extent to which disabling infant health conditions are associated with adverse childhood experiences at age 5. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a national urban birth cohort. We estimated logistic regression models of associations between the presence of a disabling infant health condition and the child’s ACE exposures at age 5, controlling for factors that preceded the child’s birth, including the mother’s sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, mental illness, and substance abuse and the parents’ criminal justice system involvement and domestic violence or sexual abuse. ACEs included 4 categories of child maltreatment (physical, sexual, psychological abuse, neglect) and 5 categories of household dysfunction (father absence, substance use, mental illness, caregiver treated violently, incarceration). Results 3.3% of the children were characterized as having a disabling health condition that was likely present at birth. Logistic regression estimates indicate that having a disabling infant health condition was associated with 83% higher odds of the child experiencing 2 or more ACEs (AOR 1.83, CI 1.14-2.94) and 73% higher odds of the child experiencing 3 or more ACEs (AOR 1.73, CI 1.07-2.77) at age 5. Conclusions for Practice The finding of strong links between disabling infant health conditions and ACEs at age 5 suggests that child health and ACEs play intertwining and mutually reinforcing roles during the early lifecourse and highlights the critical importance of investing in systems that simultaneously promote optimal child development and address childhood adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative outcomes associated with adverse childhood experiences are well established, but little is known about protective factors that could promote positive adjustment among high-risk youth. This study examined the potential protective role of positive peer relationships in the association between adverse childhood experiences and school engagement among at-risk adolescents. Data were collected prospectively from birth until age 16 from 831 diverse adolescents (52.6% female; 54% African American, 24% Caucasian) who were at-risk for family violence and their caregivers. The significant and negative associations between adversities and school engagement outcomes at age 16 were mitigated by peer intimacy and companionship and exacerbated by peer conflict. The findings underscore the importance of fostering positive peer relationships for improving school engagement among at-risk adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are a population at the intersection of two minority statuses-racial minority and sexual minority. Membership in either group, compared to white or heterosexual group membership, may increase one's risk of negative childhood and adult experiences. Baseline data from an HIV intervention efficacy trial (the Black Men Evolving Study) were used to explore the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among 536 BMSM and associations between ACEs and adult mental and physical health outcomes. Overall, the prevalence of ACEs was high among this sample of BMSM with almost 90% experiencing at least one ACE. Findings revealed that ACE score was significantly associated with adult mental health (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.12, 1.30]), but not with adult physical health. All ACEs were significantly associated with mental health, but only physical neglect and household substance abuse were significantly associated with physical health (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.02, 2.74] and AOR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.03, 2.40], respectively). The findings support the need for interventions targeting improved adult health outcomes, particularly for minority groups, to consider the impact of early adversity on health and wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Awareness of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on adult psychopathology primarily focuses on adversities within the home. There is limited insight into the impact of adversities across peer environments.This study investigates 19 items related to adverse experiences across the home, school and peer environments and their relationship to 12-month and lifetime psychopathology.Secondary analysis of the Ulster University Student Well-being Study. The dataset included completed responses across all selected variables for 729 participants.Latent profile analysis identified a low adversity profile, bullying adversity profile and higher prevalence adversity profile. Regression analysis of the three profiles and demographics variables indicated their impact on adult psychopathology lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates.Schools and HE institutions should acknowledge the impact of childhood adversities. In doing so, it is important to consider the deeper impact of bullying due to its links with psychopathology across the lifespan. Educational institutions should take appropriate steps to mitigate continued exposure as students’ progress through the education system.Objective: Awareness of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on adult psychopathology primarily focuses on adversities within the home. There is limited insight into the impact of adversities across peer environments.This study investigates 19 items related to adverse experiences across the home, school and peer environments and their relationship to 12-month and lifetime psychopathology.Secondary analysis of the Ulster University Student Well-being Study. The dataset included completed responses across all selected variables for 729 participants.Latent profile analysis identified a low adversity profile, bullying adversity profile and higher prevalence adversity profile. Regression analysis of the three profiles and demographics variables indicated their impact on adult psychopathology lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates.Schools and HE institutions should acknowledge the impact of childhood adversities. In doing so, it is important to consider the deeper impact of bullying due to its links with psychopathology across the lifespan. Educational institutions should take appropriate steps to mitigate continued exposure as students’ progress through the education system.Data: Awareness of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on adult psychopathology primarily focuses on adversities within the home. There is limited insight into the impact of adversities across peer environments.This study investigates 19 items related to adverse experiences across the home, school and peer environments and their relationship to 12-month and lifetime psychopathology.Secondary analysis of the Ulster University Student Well-being Study. The dataset included completed responses across all selected variables for 729 participants.Latent profile analysis identified a low adversity profile, bullying adversity profile and higher prevalence adversity profile. Regression analysis of the three profiles and demographics variables indicated their impact on adult psychopathology lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates.Schools and HE institutions should acknowledge the impact of childhood adversities. In doing so, it is important to consider the deeper impact of bullying due to its links with psychopathology across the lifespan. Educational institutions should take appropriate steps to mitigate continued exposure as students’ progress through the education system.Method and Results: Awareness of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on adult psychopathology primarily focuses on adversities within the home. There is limited insight into the impact of adversities across peer environments.This study investigates 19 items related to adverse experiences across the home, school and peer environments and their relationship to 12-month and lifetime psychopathology.Secondary analysis of the Ulster University Student Well-being Study. The dataset included completed responses across all selected variables for 729 participants.Latent profile analysis identified a low adversity profile, bullying adversity profile and higher prevalence adversity profile. Regression analysis of the three profiles and demographics variables indicated their impact on adult psychopathology lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates.Schools and HE institutions should acknowledge the impact of childhood adversities. In doing so, it is important to consider the deeper impact of bullying due to its links with psychopathology across the lifespan. Educational institutions should take appropriate steps to mitigate continued exposure as students’ progress through the education system.Conclusion: Awareness of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on adult psychopathology primarily focuses on adversities within the home. There is limited insight into the impact of adversities across peer environments.This study investigates 19 items related to adverse experiences across the home, school and peer environments and their relationship to 12-month and lifetime psychopathology.Secondary analysis of the Ulster University Student Well-being Study. The dataset included completed responses across all selected variables for 729 participants.Latent profile analysis identified a low adversity profile, bullying adversity profile and higher prevalence adversity profile. Regression analysis of the three profiles and demographics variables indicated their impact on adult psychopathology lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates.Schools and HE institutions should acknowledge the impact of childhood adversities. In doing so, it is important to consider the deeper impact of bullying due to its links with psychopathology across the lifespan. Educational institutions should take appropriate steps to mitigate continued exposure as students’ progress through the education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]