Adverse Childhood Experiences Association with Health: Perceived Stress and Depression Mediators

Abstract

Objective: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase stress reactivity via dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This stress reactivity leads to increased inflammation that likely contributes to worse physical and mental health. This investigation examined the relationships between ACEs, mental health, and physical health three to five years later. Method: Data were obtained from 5,976 adult participants of the Bio psychosocial Religion and Health Study (BRHS) to assess ACEs, perceived stress, and mental and physical health outcomes from 2006 to 201. Results: Hayes Process Macro was used to model serial mediation between ACEs, perceived stress, depression, and physical health over time. The relationship between ACEs and physical health was partially mediated by perceived stress and depression. These mediators accounted for 44% of the change in physical health over three to five years. Discussion: ACEs, perceived stress, and depression predicted physical health in mid to late life demonstrating that early adversity and related mental health concerns may ultimately lead to worse health in late life.