Higher Adverse Childhood Experiences Research Articles

Generational differences in latent classes of exposure to adverse childhood experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have increased across generations; however, it is unclear how ACE exposure clusters into classes and how exposure differs by generation. To examine this clustering, we used data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (n = 56,262). We identified ACEs exposure classes and examined the probability of belonging to each ACEs exposure class by birth generation, sex assigned at birth, race/ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ identity. We identified three ACEs exposure classes: Low ACEs, High ACEs without Sexual Abuse, and High ACEs with Sexual Abuse. Findings demonstrate that, relative to Baby Boomers, the probability of experiencing High ACEs without Sexual Abuse was 5 % higher for Gen X and 11 % for both Millennials and Gen Z. The probability of experiencing High ACEs with Sexual Abuse was highest for Gen X and lowest for Gen Z. Significant intersectional relationships were found between LGBTQ+ identity and both generation and sex assigned at birth. These findings have implications for health policy.

Do Adverse Childhood Experiences Make Us More Utilitarian in Moral Dilemmas?

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with various aspects of morality, but their precise impact on moral decision-making remains unclear. This study aims to explore how ACEs influence moral decision-making in sacrificial dilemmas. Study 1 employed traditional dilemma analysis to quantify utilitarian responses and compare them among groups with no, low, and high ACEs. Study 2 utilized the CNI model to quantify three determinants of moral decision-making: sensitivity to consequences (C parameter), sensitivity to norms (N parameter), and general action tendencies (I parameter). Differences in these parameters among groups with no, low, and high ACEs were investigated. Both Study 1 and Study 2 revealed that the high-ACE and low-ACE groups showed significantly higher utilitarian responses compared to the no-ACE group. However, no notable differences emerged between the high-ACE and low-ACE groups. Study 2 found that the N parameter was significantly lower in the high-ACE group compared to the low and no-ACE groups. Similarly, the low-ACE group exhibited significantly lower scores in the N parameter compared to the no-ACE group. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the C and I parameters among groups with no, low, and high ACEs. These findings suggest that individuals with a high number of ACEs tend to exhibit more utilitarian responses, attributed to decreased affective response to the violation of moral rules, rather than increased deliberative cost-benefit reasoning or a general preference for action. Such insights deepen our understanding of the precise aspects of moral decision-making influenced by ACEs.

Adverse childhood experiences and yoga as "a practice of liberation".

The long-term negative health consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) pose a significant public health concern. Effective and engaging interventions that simultaneously address physical, mental, and socio-emotional health and mitigate the negative sequelae related to ACEs are needed. Promising evidence points to the impact of yoga and mindfulness on physiological and emotional health outcomes. Yet, little is known about those who have experienced multiple ACEs and their perspectives on the influence of yoga and mindfulness on their lives. The current study examines the phenomenological experiences of adults with high ACEs who engage in yoga practice. Twelve adults participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews. These included nine cisgender women, two cisgender men, and one gender nonbinary individual; 66.8% White, 16.6% multiracial, 8.3% Black/African American, and 8.3% Asian American/Pacific Islander. Participants were aged 20-63 years and endorsed four or more ACEs. They practiced yoga at least once a week for at least 6 months. Themes that emerged included: healing from trauma-related symptoms, integration of the whole self in mind-body practice, corrective experiences through yoga and mindfulness, and healing beyond talk therapy. Individuals with ACEs may experience yoga as a potentially valuable method for promoting healing through an integrative approach. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

College student mental health: Psychiatric risk and psychological wellbeing

Objective To examine both psychiatric risk and psychological wellbeing in a college student sample drawn from a majority-minority university. Participants 100 participants (42% White; 70 females), mean age, 21.22 years. Methods Univariate and multivariate analyses examined the relationship of psychiatric risk (Brief Symptom Inventory; BSI) and psychological wellbeing (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form; MHC-SF) with student stress, cognition, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and a new Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) scale. Results Risk correlated with increased student stress, higher ACEs and lower PCEs, whereas wellbeing correlated with lower student stress, better neuropsychological functioning, lower ACE and increased PCEs. PCEs predicted enhanced MHC-SF wellbeing and reduced BSI risk, accounting for 22.4% and 13.7% of variance in these measures, respectively. ACEs predicted elevated BSI risk and diminished MHC-SF wellbeing accounting for 8.6% and 5.9% of variance in these measures, respectively. Conclusion College student mental health may benefit from practices aim specifically to enhance wellbeing, stress-resistance, and cognition.

The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Preterm Delivery: A Latent Class Approach.

Background: Racial and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in preterm delivery (PTD) have existed in the United States for decades. Disproportionate maternal exposures to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may increase the risk for adverse birth outcomes. Moreover, racial and SES disparities exist in the prevalence of ACEs, underscoring the need for research that examines whether ACEs contribute to racial and SES disparities in PTD. Methods: We examined the relationship between ACEs and PTD in a longitudinal sample of N = 3,884 women from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1994-2018). We applied latent class analysis to (1) identify subgroups of women characterized by patterns of ACE occurrence; (2) estimate the association between latent class membership (LCM) and PTD, and (3) examine whether race and SES influence LCM or the association between LCM and PTD. Results: Two latent classes were identified, with women in the high ACEs class characterized by a higher probability of emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and foster care placement compared with the low ACEs class, but neither class was associated with PTD. Race and SES did not predict LCM. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ACEs may not impact PTD risk in previously hypothesized ways. Future research should assess the impact of ACEs on the probability of having live birth pregnancies as well as the role of potential protective factors in mitigating the impact of ACEs on PTD.

Mental Well-Being Among Adversity-Exposed Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Further research is needed to understand factors associated with well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). To explore factors associated with improved mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents who have experienced ACEs. This cross-sectional study used data from the baseline (2016-2018) and sixth (March 2021) COVID Rapid Response Research (RRR) surveys of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, which includes 21 sites across the US. Adolescents aged 11 to 15 years who completed the COVID RRR mental health measures were included. Data analyses were conducted from June to August 2023. School-based factors (eg, in-person school) and 8 coping behaviors (eg, exercise). The primary outcomes were adolescent-reported positive affect (PA) and perceived stress (PS). Adolescents were stratified by no ACEs, low-to-intermediate ACEs (1-3), and high ACEs (≥4). Linear regressions estimated associations between factors and mental health, adjusting for potential confounders. Unstandardized beta coefficients (B) were compared with equality of coefficients tests. The 4515 adolescents in this study (mean [SD] age, 13.3 [0.88] years; 51% [95% CI, 50% to 53%] female) were racially and ethnically diverse (American Indian/Alaska Native, 2% [95% CI, 2% to 3%]; Asian, 8% [95% CI, 7% to 9%]; Black, 11% [95% CI, 10% to 12%]; Latino or Hispanic, 17% [95% CI, 15% to 18%]; White, 61% [95% CI, 60% to 63%]; other, 1% [95% CI, 0% to 2%]). For youths with high ACEs, caring for one's body (PA B = 4.02 [95% CI, 1.39 to 6.66]; PS B = -0.92 [95% CI, -1.84 to 0.00]), exercising (PA B = 3.19 [95% CI, 0.46 to 5.92]; PS B = -1.41 [95% CI, -2.40 to -0.43]), and engaging in healthy behaviors (PA B = 4.07 [95% CI, 1.28 to 6.84]; PS B = -1.01 [95% CI, -1.98 to -0.05]) were associated with higher PA and lower PS scores. In-person schooling had a greater impact on PA scores for youths with high ACEs (B = 5.55 [95% CI, 2.08 to 9.01]) than youths with low-to-intermediate ACEs (B = 1.27 [95% CI, 0.27 to 2.27]). These findings suggest that in-person schooling and several coping behaviors (caring for one's body, exercising, and engaging in healthy behaviors) were associated with significantly higher PA and lower PS during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents with high ACEs. Adolescents with high ACEs demonstrated especially greater mental health scores when they reported in-person schooling. Future studies should build on these findings to identify clinical and school-based mental health protective factors for adolescents with high ACE risk.

Adverse childhood experiences and subsequent physical and mental health among young adults: Results from six universities in China

Research has shown that individuals with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are more likely to encounter heightened risks of physical and psychological challenges later in life. However, limited research has explored the comprehensive impact on the physical and mental health of young adults. Thus, we conducted a study to investigate the associations of ACEs with the physical and mental health of 18,723 college students in China. Their physical and mental health status was assessed using self-perceived health assessments, self-reported disease diagnoses, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7-item scale. Results showed that 82.6 % of participants had experienced at least one ACE, with 10.7 % reporting exposure to four or more ACEs. Compared to participants with low ACEs exposure (≤ 1), participants with high ACEs exposure (≥ 4) had a nearly twofold increase in the odds of cardiometabolic diseases (OR [95 % CI] = 2.06 [1.55-2.74]) and fractures (2.32 [1.88-2.87]). Additionally, individuals with high ACE exposure exhibited a threefold increased odds of severe anxiety symptoms (3.78 [2.59-5.51]) and bipolar disorder/schizophrenia (3.38 [2.18-5.23]). These findings highlight ACEs as a significant risk factor for poor physical and mental health among young adults. Targeted support and interventions for individuals with multiple ACEs may help mitigate their long-term disease burden.

Characterizing Chronic Pain and Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer Community.

Childhood adversity is associated with chronic pain in adulthood. Additionally, individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) report a greater prevalence of chronic pain and increased adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). While the LGTBQ+ community has a disproportionately high chronic disease burden, limited research has been conducted on the associations between chronic pain conditions or intensity and childhood adversity in this population. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 18 years or older, LGBTQ+ identifying, and reported chronic pain. Surveys were electronically distributed from August to November 2022 via LGBTQ+ organization email listservs and social media platforms. The survey included demographics and validated questionnaires measuring chronic pain (The Chronic Pain Questionnaire) and childhood adversity (ACE score). In analysis, ACE scores of 4 or more were defined as high. Responses from 136 individuals (average age of 29 ± 7.4 years) were analyzed. The mean for participants' average pain rating in the last 6 months was 5.9 of 10. Participants' worst pain was rated at least a 7 of 10 for 80% of respondents. Half (47%) had high ACE scores, and high ACE scores were significantly associated with higher average pain scores (6.27 ± 1.79, mean difference = -2.22, P = .028, 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.2 to -0.0), and higher perceived current pain ratings (4.53 ± 2.16, mean difference = -2.78, P = .007, 95% CI, -1.9 to -0.3). Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) participants (n = 75) had higher ACE scores (3.91 ± 1.78) and current pain scores compared to cisgender individuals (3.9 ± 1.8 vs 3.0 ± 1.9, P = .009, 95% CI, 0.0-0.3). History of any sexual trauma was prevalent in 36.7% and was associated with chronic pain located in the pelvic region (P = .016, effect size estimate 0.21). Specific histories of forced sexual and touch encounters were associated with a specific diagnosis of fibromyalgia (P = .008, effect size estimate 0.31 and P = .037, effect size estimate 0.31, respectively). Childhood adversity and chronic pain's dose-dependent relationship among our LGBTQ+ sample indicates a need to explore trauma's role in perceived pain. Given sexual trauma's association with pain location and diagnosis, type of trauma may also be crucial in understanding chronic pain development. Research into the relationships between childhood adversity, sexuality, gender identity, and chronic pain could improve chronic pain prevention and management for the LGBTQ+ community.

The pernicious role of stress on intergenerational continuity of psychopathology.

Development and Psychopathology has been a premier resource for understanding stressful childhood experiences and the intergenerational continuity of psychopathology. Building on that tradition, we examined the unique and joint influences of maternal stress on children's effortful control (age 7) and externalizing behavior (age 11) as transmitted via genetics, the prenatal environment, and the postnatal environment. The sample included N = 561 adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents. Path models identified a direct effect of biological mother life stress on children's effortful control (β = -.08) and an indirect effect of her life stress on child externalizing behavior via effortful control (β = .52), but no main or indirect effects of biological parent psychopathology, prenatal stress, or adoptive mother adverse childhood experiences (ACES). Adoptive mother ACES amplified the association between biological mother life stress and child effortful control (β = -.08), externalizing behavior (β = 1.41), and the indirect effect via effortful control, strengthening associations when adoptive mothers reported average or high ACES during their own childhoods. Results suggest that novel study designs are needed to enhance the understanding of how life stress gets "under the skin" to affect psychopathology in the offspring of adults who have experienced stress.

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Symptom and Performance Validity Tests Among a Multiracial Sample Presenting for ADHD Evaluation.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are commonly reported in individuals presenting for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) evaluation. Performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) are essential to ADHD evaluations in young adults, but extant research suggests that those who report ACEs may be inaccurately classified as invalid on these measures. The current study aimed to assess the degree to which ACE exposure differentiated PVT and SVT performance and ADHD symptom reporting in a multi-racial sample of adults presenting for ADHD evaluation. This study included 170 adults referred for outpatient neuropsychological ADHD evaluation who completed the ACE Checklist and a neurocognitive battery that included multiple PVTs and SVTs. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in PVT and SVT performance among those with high (≥4) and low (≤3) reported ACEs. Main effects of the ACE group were observed, such that high ACE group reporting demonstrated higher scores on SVTs assessing ADHD symptom over-reporting and infrequent psychiatric and somatic symptoms on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form. Conversely, no significant differences emerged in total PVT failures across ACE groups. Those with high ACE exposure were more likely to have higher scores on SVTs assessing over-reporting and infrequent responses. In contrast, ACE exposure did not affect PVT performance. Thus, ACE exposure should be considered specifically when evaluating SVT performance in the context of ADHD evaluations, and more work is needed to understand factors that contribute to different patterns of symptom reporting as a function of ACE exposure.

Adverse childhood experiences, cognitive functioning, depression, and anxiety in adulthood.

Evidence suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict cognitive dysfunction, possibly through direct (e.g., brain structure/function changes) and indirect (e.g., increased psychopathology risk) pathways. However, extant studies have focused on young and older adults, with limited understanding of how ACEs affect cognitive health in midadulthood. This study compared psychiatric and cognitive differences between adults at high- and low-risk of adverse health outcomes based on the ACE risk classification scheme. Adult patients (N = 211; 46.9% female; Mage = 44.1, SD = 17.1; Meducation = 13.8, SD = 3.0) consecutively referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation within a large, Midwestern academic medical center. Patients were divided into high and low ACE groups based on the number of ACEs endorsed. Subsequently, a series of one-way analyses of variances were conducted to compare high versus low ACE groups on the Test of Premorbid Functioning, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition Digit Span Test, Trail Making Test-Parts A and B, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores. Significant group differences were detected for anxiety and depression with the high ACE group endorsing significantly greater depression and anxiety symptoms relative to the low ACE group. High and low ACE groups did not significantly differ on any cognitive measures. Results indicate that an individual's psychological health, but not cognitive functioning, is impacted by the level of ACE exposure. Study findings highlight the importance of including ACE measures in neuropsychological evaluations, as it will aid in case conceptualization and tailoring treatment recommendations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Prevalence of Trauma Among Participants in a Juvenile Mental Health Court

There is evidence that youth in the justice system are more likely to experience trauma and mental health problems than the general population. Trauma histories may exacerbate mental health problems, and mental health problems may increase the likelihood of continued offending. While prior research has examined the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on recidivism, it has yet to consider the prevalence of trauma among youth in a juvenile mental health court. Data from an urban juvenile mental health court ( N = 203) was used to assess the prevalence of ACEs. The average ACE score of participants was 3.6% and 46% had a high ACE score. Furthermore, those who did not complete the program and/or were rearrested following participation had significantly higher ACE scores. Controlling for other factors, ACEs were not significantly associated with program noncompletion or rearrest. Policy implications surrounding trauma-informed practices are provided.

Long-Term Impact of Childhood Adversity on the Gut Microbiome of Nursing Students.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) encompass negative, stressful, and potentially traumatic events during childhood, impacting physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood. Limited studies suggest ACEs can have short-term effects on children's gut microbiomes and adult cognitive performance under stress. Nevertheless, the long-term effects of ACEs experienced during adulthood remain unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to assess the long-term effects of ACEs on the gut microbiota of adult nursing students. We employed a multidimensional approach, combining 16S rRNA sequencing, bioinformatics tools, and machine learning to predict functional capabilities. High-ACE individuals had an increased abundance of Butyricimonas spp. and Prevotella spp. and decreased levels of Clostridiales, and Lachnospira spp. Prevotella abundance correlated negatively with L-glutamate and L-glutamine biosynthesis, potentially impacting intestinal tissue integrity. While nursing students with high ACE reported increased depression, evidence for a direct gut microbiota-depression relationship was inconclusive. High-ACE individuals also experienced a higher prevalence of diarrhea. These findings highlight the long-lasting impact of ACEs on the gut microbiota and its functions in adulthood, particularly among nursing students. Further research is warranted to develop targeted interventions and strategies for healthcare professionals, optimizing overall health outcomes.

Patterns of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Problematic Health Outcomes Among US Young Adults: A Latent Class Analysis.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict problematic health outcomes (eg, substance use, mental health) among young adults; whether specific ACEs are differentially associated with specific substance use and mental health symptoms is understudied. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified classes of ACEs among 2209 US young adults (Mage = 24.69, range: 18-34; 57.4% female; 30.9% sexual minority; 35.8% racial/ethnic minority) in a 2-year study (2018-2020). Multivariable logistic regressions examined ACEs (reported in 2019) in relation to 2020 reports of current (past 30-day) substance use (ie, tobacco use; cannabis use and hazardous use; alcohol use and binge drinking) and mental health (ie, ≥moderate depression and anxiety symptoms), controlling for sociodemographics (ie, age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education). Overall, 65.4% reported ≥1 ACE (M = 2.09, SD = 2.30); 34.8%, 39.1%, and 71.1% current tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol use; 39.1% and 15.3% hazardous cannabis use and binge drinking; and 24.2% and 34.5% ≥moderate depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. LCA yielded 4 classes: Low ACEs (referent; 55.6%), Poor family health and divorce (16.3%), Parental abuse (16.0%), and High ACEs (12.1%). High ACEs (vs Low ACEs) was associated with each adverse substance use and mental health outcome except alcohol use. Poor family health and divorce was associated with tobacco use, cannabis use, and both mental health outcomes. Parental abuse was associated with tobacco use, cannabis use, hazardous cannabis use, and both mental health outcomes. Health promotion interventions for young adults must assess ACEs, given that certain types of ACEs may be associated with distinct substance use and mental health outcomes.

Parents’ adverse childhood experiences matter too: The impact of multigenerational trauma on participation in early childhood education for Latinx children

Childhood trauma impacts most children in the United States, with exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence linked to negative outcomes across the lifespan. Early childhood education (ECE) programs, such as therapeutic preschools, that utilize two-generation approaches to services have demonstrated proven benefits for children with trauma exposure; however, less is known about the impact of ACEs on early childhood program engagement and retention. The current study, set in a two-generation therapeutic preschool program, examined 173 pairs of primarily Latinx parents and children to understand in what ways parent and child ACEs, coupled with family contextual risks like homelessness and child welfare involvement, impact program engagement for children with trauma histories. Results indicate that children whose parents had an elevated ACE score (four or more trauma experiences) were more likely to terminate ECE participation early compared to children whose parents had less cumulative trauma. Families with parents and children who both had high ACEs were over six times more likely to terminate program participation early. However, once accounting for early termination, ACEs had minimal impact on ECE engagement. These findings highlight the need for ECE programs to consider the whole family at entry and target early retention efforts towards families with greater cumulative trauma histories.

The Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Malevolent Creativity in Young Adulthood.

Childhood trauma may increase the risk of antisocial behavior in young adulthood. Our study examined the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the specific antisocial behavior of malevolent creativity (MC), the application of original ideas to purposely harm others, often to gain an unfair advantage through manipulation, threat, or harm. We surveyed college students (N = 524; 78% women) on demographics, ACEs, empathy, social support, coping, general creativity, and malevolent creativity. The data were analyzed via sequential linear regression models. Reporting ≥ 4 ACEs was associated with increased MC, which remained significant when general creativity and demographics were controlled. The association between higher ACEs and MC was no longer significant when psychosocial control variables (social support, empathy, and coping) were included in the statistical model. Social support and empathy were negatively associated with MC, while coping and MC were positively associated. ACEs may increase the likelihood of malevolent creativity in young adulthood, but empathy and social support may disrupt this trajectory. Care should be taken that coping skills, while typically viewed as a positive addition to one's behavioral repertoire, do not push individuals toward over-reliance on themselves, which may reduce prosocial behaviors and increase MC.

The impact of adverse childhood experiences and posttraumatic stress symptoms on chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a prevalent worldwide health condition. The current study aimed to extend previous research that investigated the dynamics between chronic pain, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Adult participants worldwide with chronic pain were recruited for this study (N = 199; 89% females). Three hypotheses were proposed: (a) a high ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; (b) a low ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; and (c) PTSS would fully mediate the ACEs-pain relationship. Initially results indicated individuals with high ACEs reported more pain interference than those with no ACEs, although pain intensity did not differ between high and no ACEs. However, after controlling for age, socioeconomic status (SES), and pain duration, low and high ACEs were not significantly associated with pain intensity or interference compared to no ACEs. However, SES status was associated with pain intensity and interference, although not with pain interference after adding low and high ACEs to the model. Because of this the mediation exploration of PTSS was not viable. Implications for practice, limitations and future research outcomes are outlined.

12 The Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form Symptom Reporting Among Adult Neuropsychological Referrals

Objective:Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a broad construct that refers to negative events one may experience during childhood, including, but not limited to, childhood maltreatment, household dysfunction, and trauma. ACEs have consistently shown to be associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes. Although researchers have investigated the effects of trauma and abuse on personality measures, few studies have examined differences between those with high ACEs, low ACEs, and no ACEs on measures of personality in the context of neuropsychological evaluations.Participants and Methods:The current study included 128 consecutive adult patients referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The sample was 39.8% non-Hispanic White, 21.9% non-Hispanic Black, 16.4% Hispanic, 10.9% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 10.9% other race/ethnicity, with a mean age of 27.9 years (SD=6.3) and mean education of 16.1 years (SD=2.2). Multivariate analyses of variance were performed to evaluate differences on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) between individuals who experienced high levels of ACEs (>4/10 on the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire), low levels of ACEs (1-3/10), and no ACEs (0/10).Results:When analyzing Higher-Order (H-O) scales, there was a significant group difference in mean elevation on the Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction (BXD) scale, F(2,113)=3.124, p < .05, such that individuals in the high ACEs group evidenced higher scores than those in the low ACEs group (p < .05). Additionally, there were significant differences on several Restructured Clinical (RC) scales. Specifically, there were group differences on the Low Positive Emotions (RC2) scale, F(2,113)=3.427, p < .05, such that those in the low ACEs group evidenced higher scores than those in the no ACEs group (p < .05). The Antisocial Behavior (RC4) scale also had significant differences, F(2,113)=13.703, p < .001, such that those in the high ACEs group had higher scores than those in the low and no ACEs groups (p < .001). Finally, the Ideas of Persecution (RC6) scale yielded significant group differences, F(2,113)=4.793, p < .05, such that those in the high ACEs group evidenced higher scores than those in the low and no ACEs groups (p < .05).Conclusions:In sum, this study demonstrated that ACEs, particularly high levels of ACEs, are related to higher difficulties with problems with under-controlled and rule-breaking behaviors, low positive emotional responses, and beliefs that others pose a threat. As such, assessment of ACEs may serve an important role in characterizing patients’ psychological status as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

Parents' Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences and Offspring Involvement With the Criminal Legal System.

Intergenerational cycles of adversity likely increase one's risk of criminal legal system involvement, yet associations with potential contributors, such as parents' adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs), have not been explored. To investigate the association of parents' ACEs and PCEs with their adult children's involvement in US legal systems, from arrest to conviction. The study team analyzed data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), a nationally representative cohort study of families in the US. PSID-2013 survey data were merged with the 2014 PSID Childhood Retrospective Circumstances Study (CRCS), collected May 2014 to January 2015, which asked adults aged 18 to 97 years to retrospectively report on their childhood experiences. Parents and their adult children were linked in the data set. Data were analyzed from October 2022 to September 2023. The child arrest outcome was regressed on parents' ACE and PCE scores using logistic regression models. In addition, multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of parents' ACE and PCE scores with the number of times their child was arrested and convicted. Of 12 985 eligible individuals, 8072 completed the CRCS. Among CRCS participants, there were 1854 eligible parent-child dyads (ie, parents and their adult children) that formed the analytic sample. The mean (SD) age of offspring at the time of CRCS completion was 38.5 (10.9) years, and 1076 offspring (51.3%) were female. Having 4 or more parental ACEs was associated with 1.91-fold (95% CI, 1.14-3.22) higher adjusted odds of arrest before age 26 and 3.22-fold (95% CI, 1.62-6.40) higher adjusted odds of conviction before age 26 years, compared with children of parents without ACEs. These associations persisted after controlling for parental PCEs. In this nationally representative study, children of parents with higher ACEs were at greater risk of arrest during adolescence and young adulthood, even after controlling for parents' PCEs. Addressing and preventing childhood adversity through multigenerational life course approaches may help disrupt intergenerational pathways to the criminal legal system.

Effects of resilience and timing of adverse and adaptive experiences on interpersonal behavior: a transdiagnostic study in a clinical sample

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) have been linked to less prosocial behavior during social exclusion in vulnerable groups. However, little is known about the impact of the timing of ACE and the roles of protective factors. Therefore, this study investigated the association of the behavioral response to experimental partial social exclusion with adverse and adaptive experiences across age groups and resilience in clinical groups with persistent depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder, i.e., groups with high ACE, and in healthy controls (HC) (N = 140). Adverse and adaptive experiences during childhood, youth, and adulthood were assessed with the Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire, and resilience was measured with the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale. A modified version of the Cyberball paradigm was used to assess the direct behavioral response to partial social exclusion. In patients, adverse events during youth (B = − 0.12, p = 0.016) and adulthood (B = − 0.14, p = 0.013) were negatively associated with prosocial behavior, whereas in the HC sample, adaptive experiences during youth were positively associated with prosocial behavior (B = 0.25, p = 0.041). Resilience did not mediate these effects. The findings indicate that critical events during youth may be particularly relevant for interpersonal dysfunction in adulthood.