Childhood Experiences Research Articles

'It depends entirely on the nature of those supports': Community perceptions of the appropriateness of early support services for autistic children.

We do not know much about what support services people think are okay for young autistic children. This study was a survey of 253 people. We asked autistic adults, parents, and professionals from Australia and New Zealand whether they thought it was okay to provide support services to autistic children. About half the people who shared their thoughts said it was okay to provide support services to autistic children and the other half said it depended on what the support service was like. They had three main ideas about whether support services were okay or not. The first one is that we should remember that these autistic children are children first, so we need to keep their childhood experiences in mind and let them have a say in decisions. The second is that we should not try to 'fix' the child, but instead, use supports that respect and understand the unique ways the child thinks. The final idea is that early, personalised help is good for autistic children and can make a positive difference in their lives. This study suggests that we should focus on what each child needs, think about how children can join in, and provide help in ways that respect autistic children.

The impact of armed conflict on education and children in Jammu and Kashmir: implications for peace education

ABSTRACT The paper examines how prolonged armed conflict in Jammu and Kashmir affects both education and children. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative survey methodology, the study delves into the multifaceted experiences of the diverse educational stakeholders while analyzing the underlying factors that shape their perspectives. Empirical findings strongly suggest that while there is no universal formula for peace education in conflict contexts, a crucial element lies in establishing supportive classrooms that address the unique challenges experienced by students and teachers. The study’s implications have broad significance, offering valuable insights for policymakers and humanitarian organizations seeking a deeper understanding of the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) faced by communities in conflict-affected areas. Implementing peace education at the school level can help alleviate the impact of conflict on students and teachers, but addressing the broader context of insecurity requires attention to political, security, social, and economic factors, with schools serving as a potential arena for specific aspects of peace education.

Early-Life Parental Affection, Social Relationships in Adulthood, and Later-Life Cognitive Function.

Although research has demonstrated the long-term health consequences of childhood adversities, less is known about the long-term impact of positive childhood experiences, such as parental affection. Using longitudinal data (1995-2014) from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, we analyze structural equation models estimating direct and indirect pathways from early-life parental affection to changes in later-life cognitive function through relationship quality in adulthood among Black and White older adults (N = 1983). Analyses revealed significant indirect effects of parental affection on better cognitive function through higher levels of social support (both average social support and family social support) in adulthood in the full sample and among Black respondents. Indirect pathways through relationship strain and through friend support were not significant. This work elevates the importance of promoting positive parental relationships during childhood, with implications for better social relationships in adulthood and cognitive function in later life.

A socio-ecological approach to understanding self-regulation among adolescents with developmental challenges and delays

Abstract Drawing from the socio-ecological model, this study examined the relationships between child, family, and neighborhood/community factors and self-regulation among five subgroups of adolescents aged 12–17 years with developmental challenges and delays (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay, learning disability, and intellectual disability). Data for this study came from the 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, a nationally representative dataset (n=3,181). Using multiple regression analyses, we found that not all five subgroups of adolescents shared similar experiences. In sum, having good health and health insurance was positively associated with self-regulation, while adverse childhood experiences and being bullied were negatively linked to self-regulation. Family and neighborhood/community-related variables that were positively related to adolescents’ self-regulation consisted of parent-child closeness, having college-educated parents, household food security, and parents’ knowledge of where to obtain help in their neighborhood. Family variables negatively associated with adolescents’ self-regulation included living in two-parent households and receiving public assistance, but only for adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Socio-demographic variables significantly linked to adolescents’ self-regulation were biological sex, age, Hispanic ethnicity, and race. Future research and practice should focus on identifying and addressing the diverse ecological factors influencing adolescents’ social-emotional development to improve behavioral outcomes and support their transition to adulthood.

Facing Change and Uncertainty: Lessons Learned from Autistic Children and their Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a great challenge for individuals around the globe, and particularly for vulnerable populations such as autistic children. This qualitative study explored the experience of autistic children (both verbal and minimally verbal) and their families during the pandemic in August-October 2020 through the lens of 18 parents recruited from an opportunistic follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Findings revealed that the pandemic was detrimental to the mental health of most parents. School closures, disrupted routines and concerns of the virus were believed by parents to be particularly responsible for increased in their child's behaviour that challenges and anxiety, resulting in changes in acquired skills and development of tics for some. However, other parents reported that increased one-to-one interaction with their child improved their social interaction and communication. Additionally, families felt more able to cope with the situation when supported by their partner, support services and schools. The findings highlight the challenges and benefits experienced by families with an autistic child during the pandemic. They provide valuable insights into potential areas that warrant attention when preparing for future emergencies. Enhancing our ability to respond to the needs of autistic children and their families, and establishing policies that can support their well-being should be prioritised to effectively address future challenges.

Exploring aggressive emotions in women in prison: the role of empathy and perceived social support in moderating the effects of childhood discrimination experiences

BackgroundThe recent increase in the population of women in prison within the societal context of China has shifted attention towards understanding the unique psychological and social dynamics distinct from those traditionally associated with man offenders. Growing evidence suggests that childhood experiences of discrimination play a crucial role in shaping the aggressive behaviors observed among women in prison. This underscores the necessity for an in-depth examination of the psychological and societal foundations of these behaviors.ObjectiveThis study seeks to elucidate the roles of empathy and perceived social support (PSS) in moderating the effects of childhood discrimination on aggression among women in prison. It aims to provide insights that could inform effective intervention and prevention strategies. Participants and Setting: The study involved 411 women in prison from correctional facilities across two provinces in China. Data were collected through paper-based surveys distributed from May to June 2024.MethodsParticipants responded to the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, analysis of variance, and parallel multiple mediation models. These analyses were conducted using SPSS and a PROCESS macro to test statistical hypotheses.ResultsResults demonstrated significant associations between high levels of childhood discrimination and increased aggressive emotions and behaviors in adulthood. Mediation analysis indicated that both affective empathy and PSS significantly mediated these relationships. Affective empathy was found to intensify emotional responses leading to aggression, while PSS acted as a buffering mechanism that mitigated these adverse outcomes.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the pivotal moderating roles of empathy and social support in the aggression dynamics observed among women in prison, influenced by early experiences of discrimination. The study advocates for targeted interventions that enhance empathic abilities and bolster social support networks to reduce aggression and aid in rehabilitation. These insights foster the development of nuanced approaches to addressing the needs of women in prison and have significant implications for policy and practice in correctional and rehabilitative settings.

Beyond Cumulative Scores: Distinct Patterns of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Differential Impact on Emotion, Borderline Personality Traits, and Executive Function.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with long-lasting and multifaceted consequences for mental health. Despite established dose-response effects of ACEs on mental health, the specificity of ACE pattern effects remains understudied, especially on executive function. This study aims to explore how specific patterns of ACEs, beyond just cumulative scores, differentially impact emotional symptoms, personality and cognitive function. This study recruited 2515 college students from several universities in northern China. Demographic characteristics, depression, anxiety, borderline personality traits, and executive function (Wisconsin Card Sort Test) were assessed. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of ACEs. Data were analysed using χ2-test, ANCOVA, and multivariate linear regression methods. Pattern-oriented and cumulative-oriented approaches were compared to predict the effects of ACEs. Three distinct patterns of ACEs were identified: low adversity (LA), multiple adversity (MA), and family environment adversity (FA). FA with the highest number of ACEs was uniquely linked to executive function impairments, while both MA and cumulative ACEs significantly predicted higher anxiety, depression, and borderline personality traits. The pattern-oriented method was more sensitive to capturing the diverse outcomes of executive function impairment than cumulative scores. Our findings highlight the importance of moving beyond cumulative scores and considering specific ACEs patterns to understand their differential impact on mental health. Identifying FA as a distinct pattern with specific consequences for executive function offers valuable insights into developing targeted prevention strategies tailored to specific risk profiles.

Brain connectivity disruptions in PTSD related to early adversity: a multimodal neuroimaging study

ABSTRACT Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly prevalent in individuals with adverse childhood experiences (ACE). However, the underlying neurobiology of ACE-related PTSD remains unclear. Objective: The present study investigated the brain connectivity in ACE-related PTSD using multimodal neuroimaging data. Methods: Using a total of 119 participants with ACE (70 with ACE-related PTSD and 49 ACE-exposed controls), this study acquired T1-weighted MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, and resting-state fMRI data to examine structural and functional connectivity between groups. Joint connectivity matrix independent component analysis (Jcm-ICA) was employed to allow shared information from all modalities to be examined and assess structural and functional connectivity differences between groups. Results: Jcm-ICA revealed distinct connectivity alterations in key brain regions involved in cognitive control, self-referential processing, and social behaviour. Compared to controls, the PTSD group exhibited functional hyperconnectivity of the right medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the default mode network and right inferior temporal cortex, and functional hypoconnectivity in the lateral-PFC of the central executive network and structural hypoconnectivity in white matter pathways including the right orbitofrontal region (OFC) linked to social behaviour. Post-hoc analyses using the joint brain-based information revealed that the severity of ACE, the number of traumas, and PTSD symptoms later in life significantly predicted the effects of ACE-related PTSD on the brain. Notably, no direct association between brain connectivity alterations and PTSD symptoms or the number of traumas within the PTSD group was observed. Conclusion: This study offers novel insights into the neurobiology of ACE-related PTSD using multimodal data fusion. We identified alterations in key brain networks (DMN, CEN) and OFC, suggesting potential deficits in cognitive control and social behaviour alongside heightened emotional processing in individuals with PTSD. Furthermore, our findings highlight the combined influence of ACE exposure, number of traumas experienced, and PTSD severity on brain connectivity disruptions, potentially informing future interventions.

California Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Study (CalSTARS) protocol: A multiomics-based cross-sectional investigation and randomized controlled trial to elucidate the biology of ACEs and test a precision intervention for reducing stress and enhancing resilience

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are very common and presently implicated in 9 out of 10 leading causes of death in the United States. Despite this fact, our mechanistic understanding of how ACEs impact health is limited. Moreover, interventions for reducing stress presently use a one-size-fits-all approach that involves no treatment tailoring or precision. To address these issues, we developed a combined cross-sectional study and randomized controlled trial, called the California Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Study (CalSTARS), to (a) characterize how ACEs influence multisystem biological functioning in adults with all levels of ACE burden and current perceived stress, using multiomics and other complementary approaches, and (b) test the efficacy of our new California Precision Intervention for Stress and Resilience (PRECISE) in adults with elevated perceived stress levels who have experienced the full range of ACEs. The primary trial outcome is perceived stress, and the secondary outcomes span a variety of psychological, emotional, biological, and behavioral variables, as assessed using self-report measures, wearable technologies, and extensive biospecimens (i.e. DNA, saliva, blood, urine, & stool) that will be subjected to genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, lipidomic, immunomic, and metagenomic/microbiome analysis. In this protocol paper, we describe the scientific gaps motivating this study as well as the sample, study design, procedures, measures, and planned analyses. Ultimately, our goal is to leverage the power of cutting-edge tools from psychology, multiomics, precision medicine, and translational bioinformatics to identify social, molecular, and immunological processes that can be targeted to reduce stress-related disease risk and enhance biopsychosocial resilience in individuals and communities worldwide.

Accessing the Lived Experiences of Children with Illness in Sweden for Health Care Research

Background: Children are a relatively marginalized group when doing research in the context of illness, young children particularly so. This even though children can and should contribute their point of view in providing evidence-based care. This article contributes the experiences of Nurse Researchers in gathering research data in Sweden on the lived experiences of children undergoing needle-related medical procedures, living with home mechanical ventilation or undergoing treatment for cancer. Methods: Nine published articles from four unique Swedish PhD dissertations in Caring Science formed the basis for the present paper where various open and critical qualitative approaches for gathering data were used. Results: Accessing and interpreting the lived experiences of ill children in healthcare research presents methodological, ethical, and cultural challenges. As with health care contexts in other countries, capturing the ill child’s experiences in Sweden requires several different methods. Health researchers in Sweden must navigate a complex landscape of communication barriers, emotional and psychological challenges, and structural issues within the healthcare system to effectively access and understand the lived experiences of children. Conclusions: This paper adds to the knowledge base of research with a focus on gathering the experiences of children with illness within a Swedish health care context. These insights underscore the importance for all researchers of using child-friendly, inclusive methods to understand children’s lived experiences thus ensuring their voices are heard and respected in health research. Children’s and families’ inability to speak the native language of a country cannot be a hinder for inclusion, but rather be encouraged.

Using simulation for cross-curricular integration of adverse childhood experiences knowledge in a baccalaureate nursing program

BackgroundAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are prevalent in the United States, significantly impacting public health and well-being. Despite calls for integrating ACEs education into nursing programs, limited evidence exists on effective methods. This study addresses this gap by employing didactic and simulation-based education to teach baccalaureate nursing students about ACEs and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). MethodsThis longitudinal quasi-experimental study examined the impact of integrating ACEs education into theory and high-fidelity simulation experiences. Students progressed from foundational ACEs knowledge to advanced topics, engaging with simulated patients. ResultsSignificant improvements in ACEs knowledge were observed across various domains, including awareness and prevention, resilience, and informing policy. Self-assessment responses also indicated improved understanding. The study demonstrated the reliability of the survey instrument (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). ConclusionIntegrating ACEs education through didactic and simulation approaches in nursing education enhances students' knowledge and understanding of the adverse effects of childhood trauma.

Challenges of transition to adolescence among children with autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory qualitative study of parents’ and teachers’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Evidence about the transition experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into adolescence is lacking in low-income country settings, even though most children with ASD live in these countries. This study explored the challenges of transitioning to adolescence among children with ASD based on data from purposely selected samples of 11 parents and six teachers. The findings showed that children with ASD experienced various maturation-related sexual, behavioural, and menarche challenges in their transition to adolescence. Children with ASD also have high support needs for understanding and managing their sexual feelings, may engage in socio-culturally inappropriate sexual activities, and are faced with a range of behavioural challenges. The findings further showed that girls with ASD have hygiene and sanitation management challenges. We suggest awareness-raising and skills-training for parents and teachers and psychosocial intervention for children with ASD. We also strongly recommend future studies and interventions use strengths-based perspectives.

Double loss in the Chinese families of parental depression: A qualitative study

Although many studies have examined the lived experiences of children whose parents have depression in the West, few have been conducted in the Chinese context. This study aimed to identify the subjective experiences of parents living with major depressive disorder (MDD) and of adolescents with parental depression by investigating how adolescents and parents interpret and respond to parental depression.This study adopted a qualitative approach and conducted a purposive sampling of community mental health services in Hong Kong to capture the experiences of both parents with MDD and their adolescent children. The research employed multiple methods of data collection, including focus groups with adolescents (n = 1); in-depth semi-structured interviews with adolescents (n = 8) and their parents (n = 12); and dyadic interviews (n = 8). A total of 14 families participated in the study. Thematic analysis was employed as the data analysis method.Two themes were generated: “the loss of parenthood” and “the loss of certainty.” While suffering from MDD denuded parents of parenthood in various ways, adolescents highlighted a sense of uncertainty and loss of orientation in the challenges of living with their parents. The findings are used to suggest policy and service provision to support families with parental depression to alleviate the suffering of double loss.

Association Between Adverse Childhood Experience Scores and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnant and Postpartum People

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including risky sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in non-pregnant individuals. However, limited data exist on the relationship between high ACE scores (≥ 4) and STIs during pregnancy. This study evaluated the association between high ACE scores and STI positivity among 855 pregnant and postpartum individuals. Using logistic regression, we assessed STI diagnoses (lower genital tract infections, HIV, syphilis, HSV, and hepatitis C) relative to ACE scores. Results indicated that high ACE scores were associated with increased odds of lower genital tract infection during pregnancy in univariate analysis but not in adjusted models. Additionally, no significant association was found between high ACE scores and overall STI positivity or hepatitis C infection. While high ACE scores were prevalent in the cohort (37%), further research is needed to determine if ACE scores can be used in screening for STIs during pregnancy. Keywords: pregnancy, adverse childhood experiences, ACE score, sexually transmitted infections, STI, lower genital tract infection, risky sexual behaviors, maternal health, hepatitis C

Interplay of serum BDNF levels and childhood adversity in predicting earlier-onset post-traumatic stress disorder: A two-year longitudinal study

This longitudinal study explored the intricate relationships between serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (sBDNF) levels, exposure to childhood adversities, and the subsequent development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), distinguishing between earlier- and delayed-onset forms over a two-year follow-up period in individuals sustaining physical injuries. We recruited patients presenting with moderate to severe physical injuries at a trauma center, conducting baseline assessments of sBDNF levels and childhood adversities through the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire. Additionally, detailed socio-demographic and clinical data were compiled. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 was employed to diagnose PTSD at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury. Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied to elucidate the interactions between sBDNF levels, childhood adversities, and PTSD onset patterns. Among 895 participants, PTSD was diagnosed in 107 individuals (11.9 %), with 76 (8.4 %) exhibiting symptoms indicative of earlier-onset PTSD and 31 (3.5 %) demonstrating delayed-onset PTSD. Significantly, lower sBDNF levels were associated with a higher risk of earlier-onset PTSD specifically in the context of childhood adversities. This association was not observed in individuals without childhood adversities or in those with delayed-onset PTSD. The findings suggest a complex and critical interplay between neurobiological factors, specifically sBDNF levels, and early life adversities in influencing the timing of PTSD onset, potentially deepening the understanding of PTSD etiology.

Prevalence, predictors, perception of loneliness among medical undergraduates.

BackgroundTransition from high school to a medical school can be a challenging period for students.Life in a medical school can be very demanding with high academic pressures along with the risk of getting isolated in the new environment. As loneliness can lead to psychiatric ailments and physical disorders ,identifying and addressing the problem among medical students is the need of the hour. The authors aim was to find out the prevalence of loneliness and its various predictors among medical undergraduates. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 medical undergraduates in a private university in Maharashtra. Prevalence of loneliness was assessed using 11 item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scale. A semi structured questionnaire was used to find out the demographic and social variables, health and study variables. ResultsAmong the 500 medical undergraduates, 450 students willingly participated. After excluding 30 students who were part of the pilot study, a total of 407 responses were taken for analysis and the rest not considered due to missing data. Sixty one percent of participants reported feeling moderately lonely, and 23.6% reported feeling severely lonely. Having financial insecurities (p=0.030) ,being a female student(p=0.01) , struggling childhood experience (p=0.003) being an introvert (p=0.006) with low self-esteem (p=0.005) and language barrier (p=0.009) less physical activity (p=0.004) more social anxiety (p=0.00) were all associated with loneliness in our study. More number of female participants perceived loneliness as a problem when compared to males (p=0.004). ConclusionPrevalence of loneliness is very high among medical undergraduates. They are more vulnerable, so various remedial measures to help reduce loneliness among them need to be addressed.

“This is not why we brought our children here!”: Tensions and challenges in responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences in African-background refugee families

BackgroundRefugee-background children face increased risks of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). However, their access to support services continues to pose significant challenges. A need exists to understand how families and child welfare services respond to ACEs to inform the design of culturally responsive interventions. PurposeBased on a broader qualitative study with parents and practitioners, this article shares the findings on the tensions and challenges of addressing ACEs in African-background refugee families in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. MethodologyThe research employed a qualitative micro-ethnographic approach. The first author interviewed 12 parents and 12 clinical practitioners and conducted two focus group discussions with African community leaders: the first with six and the second with five participants. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsThree central themes reflected the tensions and challenges associated with responding to ACEs: reliance on informal support, the “messy” child protection services, and gaps in the child protection system. Parents responded to ACEs through various cultural and spiritual practices and by allocating most family resources to the needs of the children directly affected by ACEs. This came at the expense of resources available for the victim's siblings, who were also experiencing ACEs directly or vicariously. Professional responses were reactive, and the experiences taking place before resettlement were overlooked. Interactions between parents and child welfare services were particularly adversarial in the case of child removal from the family. ConclusionRefugee-background families face unique challenges in accessing services, but they also have capacities that can be harnessed in collaborative interventions addressing ACEs. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed support models may assist in improving interventions addressing ACEs.

Children's Mental Health: Living With Parents Who Had Adverse Childhood Experiences.

In 2021, 42.8percent of US children ages5-17 lived with an adult who had at least four adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We found differences in exposure by race and ethnicity, income, and public versus private insurance status. Childhood exposure to adult ACEs was negatively correlated with child mental health, particularly among children in low-income and publicly insured families.

The Lived Experiences of First Responders During Emergency Events Involving Children: Child Reactions, First Responder Roles, and Additional Needs

The purpose of this study was to examine first responders’ lived experiences with children during emergency events and to assess their needs to best support the children and families affected. First responders play a critical role in psychosocial support and trauma mitigation for children during emergency events; however, more support is needed. This study completed 16 semi-structured open-ended interviews with eight first responders, using phenomenology methods. Interviews focused on first responders’ perceptions of children’s reactions to the event, their roles in supporting children’s psychosocial needs, and their perceived gaps in services to support children. Results indicated four phenomena related to experienced child reactions during emergency events 1) lack of reactions, 2) emotion-based reactions, 3) information seeking reactions, and 4) observant reactions. First responders identified their role in supporting children on the scene in using distraction, providing calming and reassurance, and education, yet they identified gaps in their education and training for working with children, as well as a need for direct trained and professional support for children and families. Psychosocial providers, such as Certified Child Life Specialists, are trained and qualified to support the gaps identified and should both collaborate with first responders to enhance support during emergency events and provide training to first responders in pediatric trauma-informed care practices.

Domestic and Family Violence Affecting Children and Young People from Culturally and Racially Marginalized Migrant Backgrounds in Australia: A Scoping Review of Child Experiences and Service Responses.

In Australia, children and families from culturally and racially marginalized (CARM) migrant backgrounds experience a range of compounding structural and interpersonal factors that limit help-seeking and exacerbate the impacts of domestic and family violence (DFV). This scoping review examines the current state of knowledge on how children and young people from CARM migrant backgrounds experience DFV, and the services that respond to DFV including child protection services. A systematic search was conducted across PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases and Google Scholar, alongside a complementary grey literature search. Articles were included in the review if participants were from CARM migrant backgrounds, and the article included information related to children and young people's experiences of DFV, and the DFV service system. The review found 19 articles that met selection criteria. Due to limited research on this topic in Australia, most articles focused on children and young people's experiences shared through parental, carer or service provider perspectives. To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review to examine how children and young people from CARM migrant backgrounds experience DFV. Findings demonstrate children and young people are victim-survivors of multiple forms of DFV. Children and young people's engagement with the DFV service system is often accompanied by feelings of fear and distrust. Findings suggest that to strengthen system responses to DFV, services must build their capability to implement intersectional approaches that simultaneously support the safety and well-being of both the child and the non-violent parent or carer.