Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire Research Articles

Childhood Adversity and Life Satisfaction in Adults with Alternative Care Experience in 12 Low- and Middle-Income Nations: The Mediating Roles of Individual and Relational Protective Factors and Resilience

Adults with care experience have elevated rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and a greater likelihood of poor outcomes. Some research has examined how protective factors and resilience impact outcomes among care leavers, but few studies include those from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Further, little work has examined the interactive impact of protective factors and resilience in this population. We investigated (a) the prevalence of ACEs among care leavers from LMICs, the mediating roles of (b) resilience and (c) individual and relational protective factors on the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction, and (d) whether mediation was occurring both in parallel and sequentially. Five hundred forty-two care leavers from twelve LMICs completed an online survey. Participants completed the Brief Resilience Scale, ACEs Questionnaire, and open-ended questions regarding care experiences. Open-ended questions were coded for protective factors. There was a high prevalence of ACEs among care leavers. The relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction was partially mediated by resilience. Individual and relational protective factors partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction. Finally, resilience and protective factors partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction in both parallel and sequential mediation among care leavers from LMICs. Protective factors operate interactively to influence resilience, increasing life satisfaction among care leavers from LMICs.

Do adverse childhood experiences increase the risk of postpartum traumatic stress and depression?

This study was conducted to determine the effect of childhood adverse experiences on the risk of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) and postpartum depression (PPD). This descriptive study was conducted with 417 mothers between 1 March and 30 April 2022. Data were collected using a demographic and obstetric information form, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE), City Birth Trauma Scale (CityBiTS) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) through the Google Forms platform. The mothers participating in the study had a mean age of 30.47 ± 4.21 years, 65.9% (n = 275) had at least one ACE, 10.3% (n = 43) met all of the DSM-5 PTSD criteria according to the CityBiTS, and 91.8% (n = 383) had at least one traumatic stress symptom. Correlation analysis revealed weak positive associations between number of ACEs and CityBiTS score (p < 0.001, r = 0.328) and EPDS score (p < 0.001, r = 0.291) and a moderate positive association between CityBiTS and EPDS scores (p < 0.001, r = 0.601). PP-PTSD was found to be a partial mediator variable between ACE and PPD. The presence of ACE in mothers was found to increase the risk of developing PPD, both alone and when combined with traumatic birth experience. Therefore, we believe that screening for a history of ACE during pregnancy, investigating traumatic birth experiences in the postpartum period, closer follow-up of mothers with both ACE and traumatic birth experiences and increasing support systems will be beneficial in the prevention and early diagnosis of PPD.

Adverse childhood experiences and profiles of healthy orthorexia versus orthorexia nervosa: towards an explanatory model of orthorexia as a multidimensional eating style

BackgroundOrthorexia is a complex phenomenon comprising distinct dimensions, including orthorexia nervosa (ON) and healthy orthorexia (HO). However, little is known about the factors influencing these dimensions, their disparities, and the psychological factors underlying orthorexia behaviours.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore ON versus HO dimensions and the predictive role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a nationally representative sample of Polish individuals. In addition, we aim to investigate the mediating roles of alexithymia, embodiment, and experiential avoidance levels in this association.MethodsA representative sample of Polish adults (n = 3557) participated in this study. Dimensions of orthorexia (HO, ON) were assessed using the Teruel Orthorexia Scale, while ACEs were evaluated using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire. Levels of alexithymia were measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, experiential avoidance through the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and embodiment intensity via the Experience of Embodiment Scale.ResultsCluster analysis identified two distinctive orthorexia profiles in the whole sample, i.e., HO (n = 469) and ON (n = 1217), alongside three intermediate HO/ON profiles (n = 1871). The number of ACEs predicted ON tendencies as opposed to HO behaviours in participants. The mediating role of alexithymia, experiential avoidance, and embodiment in the association between ACEs and ON was also observed.ConclusionsOur study suggests that orthorexia is a multidimensional eating style shaped by socio-cultural factors. Adverse childhood experiences may be related to ON behaviours by mediating psychological factors such as experiential avoidance, alexithymia, and embodiment. Effective education and collaborative support are necessary for addressing ON tendencies.

Child-Directed Healing Play and student–teacher relationships. Evaluating a promising practice among primary-aged children in Zimbabwe

This mixed methods study evaluates the effectiveness of Child-Directed Healing Play (CDHP) in improving student–teacher relationships in 7 Private Primary Schools in Zimbabwe. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaires were administered to 31 trained teachers. Sixty-two children (22 girls and 40 boys) aged between 3 and 12, from ECD to Grade 7 were screened using the Youth Outcome Questionnaires (YOQ) completed by parents. Thirty-one children were assigned into intervention group (IG) and 31 in control group (CG). Quantitative data were gathered at two points in time: prior to the intervention (pre-test) and after the completion of the intervention (post-test) using the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS) Short Form. Qualitative data were collected using CDHP Session Evaluation Forms. Results showed that 32 % of teachers had 0 ACEs while 40 % had 1 to 2 and 28 % had 3–5 ACEs. The p-values for the “Closeness” and “Conflict” variables were 0.05355 and 0.1378 respectively, indicating the intervention may have improved the “Closeness” and reduced the “Conflict” in the relationships, although the results did not reach statistical significance. Qualitative findings reveal the effectiveness of CDHP in improving closeness through establishment of therapeutic relationships characterised by increased openness, trust, emotional regulation and mutual understanding. The improved closeness between the teacher and student is reflective of the intervention’s potential to be both curative and preventive (resilience-building).

Early Childhood Adversity Predicts Risk of Family Caregiver Suicidal Ideation:Roles of Neuroticism and Self-Compassion.

Despite high rates of family caregiver suicidal ideation (SI), little is known about its relationship with childhood adversity. Those with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to have higher neuroticism, lower self-compassion, and higher rates of late life mental health disorders. Caregiving for a family member with dementia may pose a particular challenge for those with ACEs. In a secondary analysis of 81 family caregivers of people living with dementia enrolled in clinical trials, we undertook a cross-sectional baseline analysis of the association between childhood adversity, measured with the ACE questionnaire, and self-reported suicidal ideation (SI). We further assessed whether the relationship between ACE and SI was mediated by neuroticism and self-compassion. 18 caregivers self-reported SI (22%). 89% of caregivers with SI reported childhood adversity (ACE > 0), versus 63% of those without SI (p=.04). The relative risk of SI was 3.6x higher in those with childhood adversity than in those without (p=.04), and for those with a specific history childhood abuse, the relative risk of SI was 3.4x higher (p=.005). Neuroticism and self-compassion mediated the relationship between ACE and SI (p<.05), with neuroticism strengthening the association and self-compassion weakening it. The association of SI with history of childhood adversity is high in family caregivers. Whereas elevated neuroticism might be one mechanism linking ACEs and SI, training self-compassion is a promising target for reducing SI. The phenotypic relationship between childhood adversity and SI in family caregivers should be further explored in larger samples, and could represent a new treatment target to improve the efficacy of therapies on caregiver emotional symptoms.

A Multi-Mediation Analysis of the Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among South African Adolescents.

The available research findings suggest that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) constitutes an important public health issue, with identified risk factors for NSSI having been found to include exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and comorbidity with various mental disorders. However, the available findings have, for the most part, been based on the experiences of individuals living in predominantly high-income countries located in the Global North, and it is not clear whether these findings can be confidently generalised to individuals living in low-resourced countries. As such, this cross-sectional study assessed risk factors for NSSI in a non-clinical sample of 636 South African adolescents (12-18 years old), with the data being analysed using a multi-mediation analysis. ACEs were assessed using a revised version of the ACEs Questionnaire, and NSSI was assessed using items adapted from the Self-Harm subscale of the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents, with emotion dysregulation, depression, and PTSD being considered as possible mediators. High prevalence rates for NSSI and exposure to five or more ACEs were reported by the participants, with the mediation analysis indicating that significant direct effects of adverse childhood experiences on NSSI were partially mediated by emotion dysregulation. These findings are discussed with respect to their implications for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

Adverse childhood experiences and coping strategies: do they make a difference in psychopathic traits and altruism for young adults?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been frequently associated with the presence of psychopathic traits and low levels of altruism. However, there are psychological factors such as coping strategies and demographic variables (sex and socioeconomic status) that can also influence psychopathic and altruistic traits. This study explored the impact of ACEs on psychopathic and altruistic traits, considering participants’ coping strategies, in an underexplored population. A total of 420 young Spanish adults (18–20 years old, M = 18.92; SD = 0.77) completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Youth Psychopathic Inventory, the Altruistic Scale, and the Brief Coping Scale. Linear regression and comparative qualitative (fsQCA models) analyses indicated that total ACEs and avoidant emotion-focused coping (especially among males) were associated with higher psychopathic traits. Conversely, total ACEs and problem-focused coping (particularly among females) were linked to altruism. FsQCA models extended these findings, incorporating high SES to these previous profiles when predicting psychopathy and altruism. Thus, it is crucial to promote secure environments in childhood that facilitate the development of adaptive coping strategies. These strategies can mitigate the long-term effects of ACEs, reducing the likelihood of developing psychopathic traits while simultaneously increasing altruism.

Adverse childhood experiences: A health risk in emerging adulthood.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) represent a child's exposure to negative events that are detrimental to their mental and physical health. Despite this, very few studies have focused on the relationship between ACEs and physical health problems, in non-English-speaking populations and in emerging adulthood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the cumulative and differential impact of ACEs on diverse physical health problems in a Spanish population. Participants were 648 young adults (22% men), between the ages of 18 and 30 (mean age = 21.37, SD = 3.11), who completed the ACE Questionnaire and answered some questions about their health (e.g. asthma, obesity, global health). From the cumulative perspective, ACEs had a significant relationship with global health and asthma. Additionally, the differential approach revealed some specific ACEs related to three out of five health outcomes. Therefore, early detection of ACEs is of paramount importance to reduce their impact.

B - 13 Effects of Individual and Community-Level Adverse Childhood Experiences and Current Psychopathology among Monolingual Spanish-Speaking Adult Neuropsychology Referrals

Abstract Objective The link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and higher rates of psychopathology in adulthood has been well-established, though far less analogue research has examined this relationship among Latinx patients. This study assessed the relationship between ACEs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress among monolingual Spanish-speaking neuropsychology referrals. Method Data were culled from 27 adult neuropsychology referrals (mean age = 61.70; mean education = 8.59) neuropsychological referrals administered the ACE Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Linear regression analyses examined the effect of exposure to individual (e.g., emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence) and community-level ACEs on depression, anxiety, and perceived stress symptom endorsement. Results Endorsement of more individual ACEs predicted higher levels of anxiety (R2 = 0.281; p = 0.009) and depression (R2 = 0.127; p = 0.075) symptoms, but not perceived stress levels (R2 = 0.037; p = 0.365. By contrast, endorsement of more community-level ACEs marginally predicted higher anxiety symptoms (R2 = 0.124; p = 0.071), but not depression symptoms (R2 = 0.020; p = 0.568) or perceived stress levels (R2 = 0.045; p = 0.319). Conclusions Experiencing more individual-level ACEs predicted greater anxiety and, to a lesser extent, depressive symptoms, whereas community-level ACEs did not predict similar levels of endorsement of active psychopathology among monolingual Spanish-speaking adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation. Findings emphasize the need of neuropsychologists to consider routinely assessing patient’s childhood trauma history and current psychopathology symptoms during evaluation to improve diagnostic accuracy and recommendations for Latinx patients.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Cognitive Change in Late-Life Depression

ObjectivesTo determine the relationship of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with change in cognitive performance over a 1-year period among older adults in treatment for depression. MethodsOlder depressed adults completed the ACEs questionnaire and the Consortium to Establish a Registry of Alzheimer's disease (CERAD) cognitive battery at baseline and were re-assessed with the CERAD 1 year later. ResultsChildhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, and verbal/emotional abuse, respectively, were reported by 25%, 17.5%, and 42% of participants. Total ACEs score was not associated with baseline cognitive performance or 1-year change. However, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and a measure of cumulative verbal/emotional, physical, and sexual abuse were inversely associated with 1-year change in total CERAD score. ConclusionsChildhood abuse may have long-term adverse effects, including placing depressed older adults at risk for progressive cognitive decline. ACEs should be considered in research and clinical management of depression in older adults.

Analyzing the relationship between individual and cumulative score of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with self-reported mental health disorders in Chile

BackgroundAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are widely recognized as significant predictors of poor mental health in adulthood. Latin America presents several unique challenges regarding ACEs, such as higher prevalence of violence and income and political inequality. However, little is known about this issue from nationally representative samples in the region, particularly in Chile. ObjectiveThis investigation examines the association between individual and cumulative ACE scores and seven self-reported mental health conditions (substance abuse, depression, PTSD, generalized anxiety, suicide ideation, non-suicidal self-harm, and learning disorders) in a representative Chilean urban sample. MethodsA representative urban sample of 2101 adult Chileans completed the International Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and disclosed any prior mental health diagnoses. ResultsAround 40 % of the sample had experienced four or more ACEs in their lifetime. For these individuals, the risk of reporting a mental health disorder was significantly higher. Several logistic regression analyses were conducted to address the associations between ACEs and the seven mental health conditions. Notably, sexual abuse, bullying, and exposure to collective violence were the ACEs most strongly associated with self-reported mental health issues. Additionally, a cumulative ACE score was found to be a significant predictor of having a previous mental health diagnosis. ConclusionsWe found a significant predictive association between exposure to collective violence and six out of the seven self-reported mental health disorders. Similarly, sexual abuse demonstrated an association with all mental health conditions. Finally, individuals who experienced four or more ACEs had a notably higher chance of reporting a previous mental health diagnosis. We recommend conducting further ACE research in Latin America due to its cultural and contextual singularities.

Adverse childhood experiences and alexithymia intensity as predictors of temporal dynamics of functioning in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome: A three-wave latent transition analysis

ObjectiveDespite high prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its significant negative impact on individuals' quality of life, its etiology remains poorly understood. This prospective study explored whether early life factors (adverse childhood experiences; ACEs) and alexithymia intensity, could explain IBS symptom severity and its effects on psychological functioning over time. We also compared the studied variables between an IBS sample and a healthy control group. MethodBased on the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for IBS, 245 individuals with a diagnosis of IBS were recruited from a national sample of Poles. The IBS sample completed the following psychometric questionaries in three waves, one month apart: Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, IBS Symptom Severity Score, Short Form Perceived Stress Scale, and Ultra-Brief Patient Health Questionnaire for Anxiety and Depression. Latent transition analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of IBS symptom dynamics. ResultsThe IBS group reported a significantly higher number of ACEs, greater alexithymia severity, and more intense levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to the healthy controls. Four profiles of IBS individuals with distinct dynamics of IBS symptoms, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were extracted, which correlated with the baseline number of ACEs and alexithymia intensity among participants. ConclusionChildhood adversity and associated problems in emotional processing affect IBS symptom severity. ACEs should be included in IBS screening and considered in the design of individualized multidisciplinary treatment approaches for IBS patients.

Adaptation of the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults Into Turkish: A Validity and Reliability Study.

Background and Purpose: Questioning the adverse childhood experiences of adults may facilitate their search for help for their physical, social, and psychological well-being. The aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults in Turkish. Methods: This methodological study was conducted with 290 participants. The data collection tools consisted of a personal information form, the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults, and the Childhood Trauma Experiences Questionnaire Short Form. Results: The number of items in the original questionnaire was 29 and became 24 in the Turkish adaption, which showed content validity, construct validity, and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha (α) = 0.928). Conclusions: The Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults was found to be valid and reliable for the Turkish population.

Exploring the intergenerational continuity of ACEs amongst a sample of Welsh male prisoners: A retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe relationship between parent and child adverse childhood experience (ACE) exposure remains underexplored, particularly within justice-involved samples. ObjectiveThis objective of the study was to examine the intergenerational continuity of ACEs within a UK prison population. Participants294 males aged 18–69 years in a Welsh prison, with father reported data for 671 children they had fathered. MethodsA face-to-face ACE questionnaire measured exposure to 10 ACE types. For each child they had fathered participants were asked to report their child's gender, age and their exposure before the age of 18 to the same ACE types, except having a household member incarcerated. FindingsPaternal ACE exposure was found to increase the risk of child ACE exposure, both to multiple ACEs and individual ACE types. Compared to children of fathers with no ACEs, those of fathers with 4+ were almost three times more likely to have been exposed to 2–3 ACEs and six times more likely to be exposed to 4+ ACEs. The risk of a child residing in a household where mental illness was present was 7.4 times higher where their father had 4+ ACEs. ConclusionFindings highlight the need for prevention interventions to break the intergenerational continuity of ACEs. Further research is needed to explore what protects against the intergenerational continuity of ACEs. Criminal justice systems and wider services need to ensure that they support those incarcerated alongside their families who are at high risk of ACEs and consequently poorer education, health and criminal justice outcomes.

Intimate Partner Violence Risk Factors: A Vulnerability-Adaptation Stress Model Approach.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionally affects women. Using the vulnerability-adaptation stress model, we examined adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), self-esteem, and hope as vulnerability indicators and relationship status and length, positive and negative affect, and socioeconomic status (SES) as stressors to ascertain the risk for IPV. Women (N = 491, M = 37.15, standard deviation = 12.51) completed an online survey comprised of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, Snyder's Hope Scale, ACE questionnaire, Composite Abuse Scale Revised-Short Form, and demographic questions. Factor analysis identified four ACE factors of sexual abuse, physical or psychological abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and household dysfunction. A five-step hierarchical multiple regression identified that greater exposure to physical or psychological child abuse was associated with an increased risk of IPV (Step 2), B = 0.73 [0.16, 1.34]. Lower self-esteem, B = -0.30 [-0.47, -0.14] predicted IPV (Step 3). Age B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length, B = -1.24 [-2.16, 0.41] were associated with a higher risk of IPV (Step 4). In Step 5, previous variables attenuated to non-significance while age, B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length B = -1.25 [-2.16, 0.41] remained significant. While the key findings of this study were inconsistent with some commonly reported findings (e.g., ACEs, self-esteem, hope, relationship status, SES, age), these inconsistencies are important to highlight given the factorial approach to examining ACEs, the comprehensive analyses conducted, and our examination of these variables' direct relationship to IPV. The study was limited by its cross-sectional nature, higher prevalence of IPV victims, and not examining IPV sub-types. Similar studies need to be conducted for other relationship types and victimized individuals (e.g., same-sex relationships and male victims) to provide a complete picture of risk factors for IPV.

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND THEIR RELATIVITY TO AGGRESSION OF YOUNG ADULTS IN MALITA, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL PHILIPPINES

Using a descriptive-correlational approach, this study aimed to quantify the prevalence of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and aggression among young adults in Malita. It specifically determines the level of ACEs and aggression, the significant relationship between ACEs and aggression, and the area of the independent variable that was most strongly associated with the aggression of young adults. 98 respondents were randomly selected to take part in the study. The independent variable was measured using two adapted questionnaires, namely, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire [47] and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [26], while Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (1992) [22] for the dependent variable. The researchers made used of a variety of statistical methods, including the mean, Spearman's rho, and step-wise multiple regression. Among the five types of abuse, results showed that emotional abuse was a commonly reported form of adversity in childhood. Meanwhile, at the level of aggression, verbal aggression was shown to have the highest responses out of the three different types of aggression. The findings of the study showed no statistical significance between varia-bles. While emotional neglect, among other forms of adversity in childhood, was the lone predictor of aggression in young adults.

Role of Sex, Anxiety, and Resilience in the Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a female-predominant chronic abdominal disorder. Factors contributing to this association have not been well-studied. We compared sex differences in ACE for adults with and without IBS and evaluated the impact of anxiety and resilience on the relationship between ACE and IBS. Sex and disease differences in total score and ACE subtypes from the ACE Questionnaire in subjects with IBS and control subjects were assessed. Cross-sectional mediation analysis determined if anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale or Brief Resilience Scale) mediated the relationship between ACE and IBS. Of 798 participants studied, 368 met IBS diagnostic criteria (265 women, 103 men) and 430 were healthy control subjects (277 women, 153 men). Prevalence and number of ACE were higher in IBS versus control subjects (P < .001) but similar between IBS women and men. Household mental illness increased odds of having IBS in women (odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-2.85; false discovery rate [FDR], 0.002) and men (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.26-4.33; FDR, 0.014). Emotional abuse increased odds of having IBS in women (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.23-3.09; FDR, 0.019) and sexual abuse increased odds of IBS in men (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.35-10.38; FDR, 0.027). Anxiety mediated 54% (P < .001) of ACE's effect on IBS risk and resilience mediated 12%-14% (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, P= .008; Brief Resilience Scale, P= .018). Both men and women with a history of ACE are twice as likely to have IBS than those without an ACE. Anxiety mediated the relationship between ACE and IBS in men and women and resilience mediated this relationship only in women.

Adverse Childhood Experience among Adolescents in the Ethnic Minorities of Lang Son Province

The objective of this paper was to investigate the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and associated factors among adolescents of the ethnic minorities of Lang Son province. This cross-sectional research was carried out in Lang Son province. A total of 845 students in boarding schools participated in the study. Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) was used to measure ACEs. Multivariate Logistic Regression was performed to identify associated factors with ACEs. Emotional abuse is the most common ACE, experienced by 21.9% of the participants, followed by emotional neglect at 14.4% and parental divorce at 11%. Overall, 48.7% experienced ACEs in their lifetime. The frequency of parental visits every two months significantly increases the likelihood of adverse experiences (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.43-4.05, p-value = 0.0009), and living in households with fewer than ten people versus ten or more significantly decreases the risk (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.33-0.70, p-value &lt; 0.0001). Additionally, internet use for 4 hours/day (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.15-0.38, p-value &lt; 0.01), 5 hours/day (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13-0.51, p-value &lt; 0.01), and six or more hours/day (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11-0.43, p-value &lt; 0.01) are also significantly associated with lower odds of adverse experiences, suggesting protective effects of extended daily internet use against adverse childhood experiences. This study underscores a significant prevalence of ACEs among adolescents in ethnic minority communities in Lang Son province, pointing to an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address these challenges.

Interactions Between Serotonin Transporter Gene and Adverse Childhood Experience in a Generalized Additive Model: A Pilot Study.

While most people experience potentially traumatic events (PTEs), including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the stress reactions to PTEs on mental health outcomes are highly heterogeneous. Resilience is influenced by a complex biopsychosocial ecological system, including gene serotonin transporter-linked promoter region or 5-HTTLPR /rs25531 by ACEs interactions. This pilot study investigated the gene-by-environment interactions on mental health outcomes in adults enrolled in a health care profession program using a generalized additive model (GAM). Seventy health care college students (mean age = 27.4 years, 67.1% women) participated in this cross-sectional study. Saliva samples were collected from students to analyze 5-HTTLPR/rs25531. Participants completed the ACE Questionnaire and the Mental Health Inventory. GAMs with different interaction terms were built adjusting for age, gender, and race. The value of the effective degree of freedom (EDF) quantifies the curvature of the relationship. Among participants with the long allele of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531, a linear pattern was found between the total ACE score and mental health outcomes (EDF = 1). Conversely, among participants with the short allele, EDF was approximately 2, indicating a curved association suggesting that mental health worsens in individuals exposed to up to four types of ACEs. The impact of up to four ACEs on mental health was stronger among individuals with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 than those with the long allele. Although this study does not claim to provide a definite approach to analyzing gene-by-environment interactions, we offer a different perspective to explore the relationship.

The mediating role of self-control on the relations between adverse childhood experiences and substance use among adolescents in Uganda.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are established risk factors for undesirable consequences in adolescence and early adulthood, including substance use and a lack of self-control. Based on the Social Bonds Theory (SBT), this study aims to expand our knowledge of the pathways from ACEs and self-control to substance use in adolescence and early adulthood. The extent to which self-control mediates the association between ACEs and substance use was examined in a cross-sectional survey of 358 adolescents and young adults (N = 234, 65.5% girls, mean age 17.7, SD 0.58, range 15-18). Data were gathered using the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE-10) questionnaire, the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10), and the 10-item self-control scale to assess childhood adversity, substance use, and self-control, respectively. ACEs were widely reported and significantly associated with substance use and a lack of self-control. Self-control strongly predicted substance use, independent of ACEs. Among those reporting no ACEs, one to two, three to four, and five or more, there were significant variations in the respondents' substance use (F(3, 400) = 12.69, p = 0.001). Self-control explained 51.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41, 61%) of the associations between ACEs and substance use as assessed by linear regression. Self-control is key to understanding why adolescents and young adults with a history of childhood adversity indulge in substance use. Therefore, there is a need to advocate for psychological interventions such as cognitive and behavioural therapy that have demonstrated efficacy in promoting self-control in adolescents and young adults.