Adverse Childhood Events Research Articles

Prenatal and Childhood Adverse Events and Child Brain Morphology: A Population-Based Study

Prenatal and childhood adverse events have been shown to be related to children’s cognitive and psychological development. However, the influence of early-life adversities on child brain morphology is not well understood, and most studies are based on small samples and often examine only one adversity. Thus, the goal of our study is to examine the relationship between cumulative exposures to prenatal and childhood adversities and brain morphology in a large population-based study. Participants included 2,993 children from the Generation R Study, a cohort of children growing up in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Recruitment was initiated between 2002 and 2006, and the study is currently performing the 17- to 19-year follow-up wave. Prenatal adversities were reported by mothers at 20–25 weeks of pregnancy, and the child’s lifetime exposure to adversities was reported by mothers when the children were 10 years old. The total brain, gray and white matter volumes, and the volume of the cerebellum, amygdala, and hippocampus were assessed with magnetic resonance imaging when children were 10 years old. In total, 36% of children had mothers who were exposed to at least one adversity during pregnancy and 35% of children were exposed to adversities in childhood. In our study sample, the cumulative number of prenatal adversities was not related to any brain outcome. In contrast, per each additional childhood adverse event, the total brain volume was 0.07 standard deviations smaller (SE = 0.02, p = 0.001), with differences in both gray and white matter volumes. Childhood adversities were not related to the amygdala or hippocampal volumes. Additionally, the link between childhood events and the preadolescent brain was not modified by prenatal events and was not explained by maternal psychopathology. Our results suggest that childhood adversities, but not prenatal adverse events, are associated with smaller global brain volumes in preadolescence. Notably, this is the first large population-based study to prospectively assess the association between the cumulative number of prenatal adversities and the preadolescent brain morphology. The study findings extend the evidence from high-risk samples, providing support for a link between cumulative childhood adverse events and brain morphology in children from the general population.

Explaining the Craving for Cigarette Smoking Based on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subjective Socioeconomic Status among University Students in Isfahan, Iran

ABSTRACT Background: Adverse childhood experiences are linked to a wide range of physical, social, sexual, and family dysfunctions. These experiences, such as smoking, may have negative health consequences. Objective: The goal of this study was to explain the desire to smoke in university students in Isfahan, Iran based on adverse childhood events and subjective socioeconomic status. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 young adults who were recruited randomly from Isfahan universities in 2020. To collect data, a checklist of adverse childhood events, craving for smoking, and a question about subjective socioeconomic status were used. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results: According to the findings, 46.5 percent of all university students had at least one Adverse Childhood Experience, and 68.8 percent of all university students had some level of smoking craving. Controlling for demographic variables, respondents with one to five adverse childhood experiences (OR: 1.84; 95 percent of CI: 1.11–3.04) and six or more adverse childhood experiences (OR: 5.37; 95 percent of CI: 2.58–11.71) were more likely to crave smoking than respondents with no adverse childhood experiences. Furthermore, among all students, a higher subjective socioeconomic status reduced the likelihood of smoking by 19%. Conclusions and implications: It can be concluded that university students who have had adversity in their childhood are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors like smoking. Because smoking is recognized as a coping mechanism for stressful events, it is suggested that personal, local, and national strategies aimed at young adults in Iran be developed.

The Impact of ACEs on BMI: An Investigation of the Genotype-Environment Effects of BMI.

Adverse Childhood Experiences are stressful and traumatic events occurring before the age of eighteen shown to cause mental and physical health problems, including increased risk of obesity. Obesity remains an ongoing national challenge with no predicted solution. We examine a subset of the Healthy Nevada Project, focusing on a multi-ethnic cohort of 15,886 sequenced participants with recalled adverse childhood events, to study how ACEs and their genotype-environment interactions affect BMI. Specifically, the Healthy Nevada Project participants sequenced by the Helix Exome+ platform were cross-referenced to their electronic medical records and social health determinants questionnaire to identify: 1) the effect of ACEs on BMI in the absence of genetics; 2) the effect of genotype-environment interactions on BMI; 3) how these gene-environment interactions differ from standard genetic associations of BMI. The study found very strong significant associations between the number of adverse childhood experiences and adult obesity. Additionally, we identified fifty-five common and rare variants that exhibited gene-interaction effects including three variants in the CAMK1D gene and four variants in LHPP; both genes are linked to schizophrenia. Surprisingly, none of the variants identified with interactive effects were in canonical obesity-related genes. Here we show the delicate balance between genes and environment, and how the two strongly influence each other.

Does Loneliness Mediate the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Pain Catastrophizing Among Women?

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.

When the messenger affects the message: Trustworthiness in the context of COVID vaccination.

When the messenger affects the message: Trustworthiness in the context of COVID vaccination.

The association between adverse childhood events and later-life cognitive function and dementia risk

BackgroundConsiderable work exists in the literature to describe the negative impacts of early-life stress exposures on health in adulthood. This study investigated whether the accumulation of adverse childhood events is associated with later-life cognitive function and incident dementia. MethodsParticipants were 1562 community-dwelling older adults, who were enrolled in the ESPRIT cohort in France. Adverse childhood events were measured using a modified version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Cognition was measured using tests of global cognition, visual memory, verbal fluency, psychomotor speed and executive function. Fourteen-year incident dementia was diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria. ResultsIn comparison to participants with two or less adverse childhood events, increased risk of poor psychomotor speed at baseline was observed in individuals with multiple adverse childhood events (3–4 events OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00–1.93); ≥5 events (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.07–2.17), particularly in women but not in men. Worse verbal fluency was also observed in individuals who experienced between three and four adverse childhood events (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.00–1.78). Amongst the individual factors investigated, early-life abuse/maltreatment (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.14) and poverty/financial difficulties (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12–2.08) was associated with worse psychomotor speed. No associations were observed with incident dementia. LimitationsParticipants most at risk (those with baseline dementia) were excluded. ConclusionMultiple adverse childhood events are associated with worse psychomotor speed, and verbal fluency in later-life, however further research is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying this association and whether it results from unmeasured confounding, including social disadvantage.

Firearm-related threat exposure and associated factors among men and women entering a supportive housing substance use disorder recovery program

ABSTRACT Background: Exposure to firearm victimization has often been overlooked as a sequela of substance use disorders (SUD). Objectives: The overall objective of this study was to explore firearm-related victimization and associated factors among men and women entering a supportive housing SUD recovery program. Methods: This study used program intake information from men (n = 1,758) and women (n = 1,066) clients entering a SUD recovery program. Results: Results found that almost half (49.3%) of the clients entering the program had ever been threatened with a firearm or held at gunpoint, and one-quarter of those clients had experienced firearm-related threats in the 6 months before entering the program. Economic vulnerability, mental health problems, polysubstance use, interpersonal victimization, and early use of drugs and alcohol were associated with firearm-related threat exposure. Many of the factors associated with firearm-related threat exposure were similar for men and women. Multivariate results found that polysubstance use (OR 1.16 men and 1.13 women), number of adverse childhood events (OR 1.13 men and 1.09 women), and interpersonal victimization (OR 3.41 men and 2.05 women) in the 6 months before program entry were significantly associated with ever being threatened with a firearm. Suicidality (OR 1.53 men and 1.80 women) and interpersonal victimization (OR 6.38 men and 6.08 women) were associated with being threatened with a firearm in the 6 months before program entry for both men and women. Conclusion: Results suggest there is a need for firearm-related risk reduction interventions for individuals in SUD recovery programs.

The relation of childhood adversity and antisociality to suicide attempts in men admitted to forensic psychiatric hospital.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in custody. Although previous studies with prison inmates suggest a strong relation between childhood adversity and suicidal behavior, as well as between childhood adversity and antisociality, this has not been explored in the forensic psychiatric system. We compared 211 men admitted to a forensic hospital having a lifetime history of suicide attempts with 275 men with no suicide history in the same institution. Data were retrospectively coded from information gathered during their assessment and medical records. We examined associations of adverse childhood events and antisociality with suicide attempt history in a series of regression analyses. Childhood adversity was present in majority of individuals and significantly more common for individuals with a history of suicide attempts (76.8%) than those with no suicide attempts (63.3%). The suicide attempt group also experienced a greater number of adverse childhood events. Physical abuse, parental separation, and parental psychiatric history during childhood were associated with suicide attempts. Men with a suicide attempt history had higher antisociality scores than the comparison group and adult antisocial behavior partially mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and suicide attempts. Men in forensic hospital who have suffered multiple experiences of childhood adversity are at increased risk for exhibiting antisocial behavior and engaging in suicidal attempts. Early interventions targeted toward antisociality and trauma-informed care in the forensic hospital are needed to support the mental health of the forensic population.

Prenatal alcohol exposure and mental health at midlife: A preliminary report on two longitudinal cohorts.

Although the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) have been studied extensively, there is relatively little information available on adult mental health functioning among exposed individuals. The current study compares the self-reported midlife mental health status of individuals who were prenatally exposed to alcohol and diagnosed in childhood with the effects of this exposure with that of unexposed individuals. Participants (N=292) were recruited from two longitudinal cohorts in Atlanta and Seattle and asked to complete an Adult Health Questionnaire that surveyed their current health and mental health status. The questionnaire was completed either in-person or remotely and included questions about current symptoms of depression and anxiety and mental health disorder diagnoses. The analysis compared a Nonexposed Contrast group to those in two exposure groups: (1) Alcohol Exposed with Fetal Alcohol Effect but not meeting criteria for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and (2) Alcohol Affected and meeting criteria for FAS. Both alcohol-exposed groups reported higher levels of current depressive symptoms and a higher prevalence of diagnoses of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and/or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. No differences were noted for psychotic disorders. PAE was also associated with greater environmental stressors, including higher levels of adverse childhood events and lower current socioeconomic status. Path analyses suggested that PAE was indirectly related to mood disorders with its effects being mediated by other environmental factors. PAE is associated with greater rates of mental health disorders in middle adulthood. These outcomes appear to result from multiple stressors that affect individuals made vulnerable by their early alcohol exposure. Clinical outcomes could be improved by prevention efforts directed at preventing prenatal alcohol use and reducing environmental stressors later in life, and by the early identification of PAE and its effects.

Adverse childhood events and substance use history or recent opioid use among women with chronic pelvic pain

Introduction: We aimed describe the association of adverse childhood events (ACEs) with a history of substance use disorder and recent opioid use among women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Methods: This cohort study investigated two data sets of women presenting to subspecialty gynecologic and pelvic floor disorder clinics where questionnaires querying substance use disorder, opioid use in the last 3 months, and ACEs (BRFSS-ACE questionnaire) were obtained. We compared the recent opioid use, morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per dose, pills used per month, and minimum MMEs reported per month between women with high (⩾4) or low (<4) reported ACEs. Results: Patients completing the BRFSS-ACE ( n = 113) were older, more likely to be Hispanic/Latina, had higher levels of education, a higher prevalence of pain syndromes, and a greater degree of bother from pelvic floor disorders than those not completing the BRFSS-ACE. Women reporting a high number of (⩾4) ACEs ( n = 56) were younger, less likely to identify as Hispanic, had higher co-occurrence of fibromyalgia and IBS, and a higher prevalence of a history of substance use disorder (18% vs 2%, p < 0.01) than women with low (<4) ACEs ( n = 57). High ACEs were not significantly associated with recent opioid use (43% vs 39%, p = 0.83), opioid pills used per month, MMEs per dose, or the minimum MMEs used per month. Conclusion: Women with CPP reporting higher numbers of ACEs are more likely to report a history of substance use disorder but were not more likely to have used opioids in the last 3 months.

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Events on Therapy Alliance in Male Inpatients with Convictions

ABSTRACT Although there is an increasing focus on therapy alliance and its predictive factors, there has been limited exploration of these predictive factors within forensic services. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) could be one of these possible factors. In the present study, we examined whether ACEs are predictive for therapy alliance in male inpatients with cluster B personality disorders who are convicted for a violent offense. We were specifically interested in the predictive value of ACEs on therapy alliance at 18 months into treatment, and whether personality pathology mediates this relationship. ACEs, self-rated and observer-rated therapy alliance, and personality pathology were assessed within 103 male offenders and analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, and mediation analyses using PROCESS. Results show that self-rated agreement on therapy tasks was predicted by emotional neglect, whereas observer-rated agreement on therapy tasks was predicted by physical neglect. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse were not predictive for therapy alliance. Personality disorders were no mediating factors. Despite limitations, this study emphasizes the importance of childhood neglect in treatment of male inpatients with convictions for violent offenses and contributes to our understanding of the concept of therapy alliance in people with convictions.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child behaviour problems in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) are associated with negative health effects in adulthood. Despite knowledge of these later impacts, little is known about the earlier effect of ACEs on later child behaviour in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The population-based Asenze cohort study was implemented in a peri-rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, comprising five Zulu tribal areas. Two waves of data were examined: family information and ACEs exposure when children were on average 5years old and child behaviour problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]) approximately 2 years later (average age 7years). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine unadjusted and adjusted relationships between cumulative ACEs experienced and the SDQ total scores (dichotomized as top 10% vs. the rest) as well as selected SDQ subscales. A significant relationship between increased ACE exposure and SDQ total score was observed. The same relationship was also seen for the SDQ emotional symptoms and conduct problem subscales, but not for hyperactivity. The results of a sensitivity analysis excluding intimate partner violence from the ACEs measure demonstrated similar results. There is an association between exposure to ACEs and later child behaviour problems within this LMIC population demonstrating an early negative impact for ACEs. While previous research has focused on the effects of ACEs on adult health, this study provided evidence for an earlier relationship between ACEs and child behaviour problems that may be a part of the mechanism through which later health effects arise.

The role of early adversity and cognitive vulnerability in postnatal stress and depression

The purpose of the present study was to examine vulnerability factors in expecting parents that might lead to mental illness in the perinatal period. Specifically, we studied how parental early adversity, attentional bias to infant faces, repetitive negative thinking, and demographic factors, were associated with pre- and postnatal depressive symptoms and parenting stress. Participants were expecting parents taking part in the Northern Babies Longitudinal Study, where assessments were made both pre- and postnatally. Assessments included both questionnaires and cognitive tasks. About half of the participants received the Newborn Behavior Observation (NBO)-intervention after birth, between pre- and postnatal assessments. Results show that repetitive negative thinking was a significant predictor of both depressive symptoms and parenting stress, while education, social support, and parity came out as protective factors, especially in mothers. Parental early adversity had an indirect effect on postnatal depressive symptoms and parenting stress, mediated by prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms, respectively. The NBO intervention did not affect the results, signifying the importance of early childhood adverse events and negative thinking on parents' postnatal adjustment and mood, even when an intervention is provided. In conclusion, repetitive negative thinking is a significant vulnerability factor independent of the presence of depressive symptoms, and health professionals must be aware of parents’ thinking style both during pregnancy and after birth.

Prenatal and Childhood Adverse Events and Child Brain Morphology: A Population-Based Study

Prenatal and Childhood Adverse Events and Child Brain Morphology: A Population-Based Study

Spiritual Outcomes of a Faith-Based Camp Program for Children of Incarcerated Parents

Children of incarcerated parents are likely to experience a number of adverse outcomes including poverty, substance abuse, community violence, multiple caregivers, school failure, and justice system involvement (Hairston, 2007; Martin, 2017; Murphey & Cooper, 2015). The experience of having a parent incarcerated, and the negative outcomes associated with it, disproportionately expose these children to adverse childhood events (ACE’s) known to result in higher morbidity and mortality (Turney, 2018). However, spiritual resources, along with engagement with caring adults, can increase a child’s resilience and buffer the impact of these negative outcomes. This exploratory study describes Camp Agape California (CAC), a faith-based camping program for children with an incarcerated parent. Specifically, this study explores the perceived impact of this faith-based camp program on the spiritual outcomes of the children who participate in the camp. The program components of CAC are described, which provide a model for spiritual development for this population. Further, data on the perceived spiritual outcomes of camp participation of167 children and youth who took part in CAC programs are presented. Results suggest that the faith-based camp program provided by CAC enhanced participants’ spiritual identity and use of spiritual activities known to support healthy development. Implications and future directions of this type of intervention are explored.

Влияние негативного эмоционального опыта детства на криминальную активность у женщин с органическим расстройством личности

In order to study the influence of negative emotional experiences of childhood on criminal activity in women with organic personality disorder we investigated group of women, suspected or accused of crimes in criminal cases, who underwent forensic psychiatric examination (n=102) with comparison to group of women, who had not a criminal history (n=50). It is revealed that for women who have committed criminally punishable acts, negative childhood events with many psychogenic and traumatic events are of significant importance. It was revealed that the greatest importance of adverse childhood events with negative emotional experience - abuse, violence (emotional, physical, sexual) in combination with unfavorable social factors of upbringing had a significant pathoplastic and pathokinetic effect on the clinical and dynamic characteristics of the disease and to a certain extent predetermined the formation of criminal activity of this category of persons. They are more likely to have dependence on surfactants. These women were more likely to commit aggressive offenses (murder, grievous bodily harm), while the victim of these crimes was more often a partner (husband, cohabitant).

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Piloting a Group Therapy Program Using Psychoeducation, Music Therapy, and the Creative Arts for Adults with Complex Concurrent Disorders in an Inpatient Setting

Research shows a significant correlation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and later adult mental health and addiction issues. There is currently no literature on therapeutic interventions to begin to redress their complex issues. Mental health, psychiatric, and addiction treatment centers often avoid tackling the manifold roots of dysfunction in clients' lives. We present the implementation of group therapy for clients with significant ACE histories, inspired by an initial in-service for clients on the subject of ACEs in mental health and addictions. Establishing group therapy for a broad spectrum of adverse childhood events proved to be an ambitious yet rewarding task. We discuss developing a comprehensive curriculum with a psychoeducational focus, a trauma-informed lens to support symptom management and resilience, and expressive elements by incorporating music therapy and the creative arts because of emerging evidence of the need for trauma recovery to engage in expressive and embodied outlets. Group observations and anecdotal evidence from clients' evaluations of the group support the urgent need for moving from research findings on ACEs to the implementation of group therapy.

Understanding attachment styles, adverse childhood events, alcohol use, and trauma in Black and Latino Men with criminal justice histories.

Black and Latino men experience high rates of trauma before and during incarceration and upon release to the community. This study examines the association between trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and alcohol use on the adult attachment styles in a sample of 248 Black and Latino men with incarceration experiences. Most of the respondents indicated that they were single and never married (61.3%), earned less than $10,000 annually (84.3%), and were in a state prison facility during their last incarceration (60.9%). Findings indicate that most of the men scored above average in attachment anxiety (M = 5.14, SD = 1.34) and attachment avoidant subscales (M = 5.35, SD = 1.08). Close to 23% self-reported within the hazardous drinking range. In terms of trauma, the mean trauma score was 2.85 (SD = 2.97), suggesting that participants self-reported experiencing minimal trauma. Overall, Black and Latino men who experience incarceration demonstrate high rates of insecure attachments which were predicted by traumatic childhood experiences. To best serve this population, mental health treatment during incarceration and the community should enhance attachment security.

Adults who are more anxious and were anxiously attached as children report later first memories.

Here, we examined retrospective reports of adults' earliest autobiographical memory, the age of this report and whether the reported age was associated with exposure to early life adversity, current anxiety and childhood attachment. Across four studies, we found that reporting a later 'earliest' memory was associated with higher self-reported anxiety in both American (Studies 1, 2 and 4) and Australian (Study 3) samples. Furthermore, in Studies 2-4, we found that reporting a later earliest memory uniquely predicted anxiety when controlling for number of adverse childhood events (a risk factor for the development of anxiety). In Study 4, we established that this relation is partially mediated by childhood anxious attachment. Although we consistently demonstrated that later earliest memories were associated with current anxiety, we found little evidence for a relation between reported age at the time of earliest memory and childhood adversity. We also found no evidence of gender differences in the associations of interest. These results suggest that poorer memory of early childhood is associated with greater childhood anxious attachment and anxiety in adulthood. The implications of this work are discussed in terms of the adaptive nature of autobiographical memory and the development of a coherent life narrative.

A Scoping Review and Proposed Framework for Coping in Youth With a History of Psychological Trauma and Chronic Pain.

Psychological trauma (e.g., abuse, neglect) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) commonly occur in pediatric pain populations and may be related to various maladaptive coping strategies, which may in turn affect short- and long-term pain-related outcomes in youth. Accordingly, the current scoping review and conceptual framework seeks to identify important gaps in the field's current understanding of how coping impacts outcomes in youth who have experienced trauma/PTSS and pediatric chronic pain and explores avenues for future investigation. A scoping review of the literature was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and Sociological Abstracts. Eligibility criteria included pediatric populations experiencing chronic pain, trauma, adverse childhood events, and/or PTSS and associated coping mechanisms. Nine research papers were selected and used to support the conceptual framework. The framework builds upon the work of Compas et al.'s' model of control-based coping (Compas et al., 2006; Compas & Harding Thomsen, 1999) and outlines the potential effects of trauma and/or PTSS and pain on coping and pain-related outcomes (e.g., pain chronicity, functional outcomes) in pediatric chronic pain populations. A history of chronic pain and psychological trauma and/or PTSS in youth may contribute to increased risk for maladaptive coping and in turn, poorer pain-related and psychosocial outcomes long-term. Findings from the current scoping review and proposed conceptual framework will guide future research and treatment efforts for youths experiencing pain and trauma and/or PTSS and thereby enhance long-term outcomes.