Number Of Adverse Childhood Experiences Research Articles

Examining childhood experiences and personality functioning as potential predictors for the speed of recovery during psychotherapy of patients with anxiety disorders.

Adverse childhood experiences were previously identified as relevant risk factors for the development of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, anxiety disorders were shown to be associated with impairments of personality functioning. The objective of this study was to investigate adverse and protective childhood experiences as well as personality functioning, as defined by the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis system, as potential predictors for the speed of recovery during psychotherapy for patients with anxiety disorders. The sample consisted of n = 312 completed psychotherapies. The speed of recovery, defined as symptom abatement over time, was calculated using a two-stage hierarchical linear model. The effects of adverse and protective childhood experiences as well as personality functioning on the speed of recovery during psychotherapy were then examined using a structural equation model. The presence of adverse childhood experiences predicted a lower speed of recovery during psychotherapy. In addition, a higher number of adverse childhood experiences was associated with greater impairments in the abilities of perception and regulation as dimensions of personality functioning. A higher number of protective childhood experiences was associated with fewer impairments in the communication and attachment dimensions. Impairments in personality functioning in patients with anxiety disorders did not predict the speed of recovery during psychotherapy. Among patients with anxiety disorders, adverse childhood experiences lead to a lower speed of recovery during psychotherapy. Therefore, childhood adversity should be routinely assessed before and thoroughly addressed during psychotherapy in patients with anxiety disorders.

Association between adverse childhood experiences and health related quality of life in adult cancer survivors in the United States.

The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is increasingly recognized, however, this has not been studied in cancer survivors in the United States. This study investigates if ACEs are associated with HRQOL in cancer survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from states that administered ACEs and Cancer Survivorship modules. Eligibility criteria included being a cancer survivor and not currently receiving cancer treatment. Primary exposure was number of ACEs (categorized as 0, 1-2, 3, or ≥ 4). Primary outcomes were self-reported measures of HRQOL including worse overall health and ≥ 14 unhealthy days (mentally or physically) per month. Mantel-Haenszel stratified analyses were performed and prevalence ratios were adjusted for age. Of 5,780 participants, 62.0% were female and 67.8% were ≥ 65 years. Prevalence of worse overall health was 22.5% for individuals with no ACEs compared to 30.2% for 2-3 ACEs (aPR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.5) and 38.5% for ≥ 4 ACEs (aPR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.5, 2.0). Prevalence of ≥ 14 unhealthy days was 18.1% with no ACEs compared to 21.0% for 1 ACE (aPR = 1.3, 95% CI 1, 1.3), 29.0% for 2-3 ACEs (aPR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.4, 1.8), and 44.8% for ≥ 4 ACEs (aPR = 2.2, 95% CI 2.0, 2.5). Our study provides novel evidence of the association of multiple ACEs with higher prevalence of poor HRQOL in cancer survivors. Screening for ACEs is warranted in all patients to guide targeted interventions to improve HRQOL and mitigate the impact of ACEs on HRQoL in cancer survivors.

Adverse childhood experiences and dental cleaning during pregnancy: Findings from the North and South Dakota PRAMS, 2017-2021.

Research demonstrates that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)-that is, experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction-are related to lower preventive dental care utilization in childhood and adolescence. However, limited research has explored the connection between ACEs and preventive dental care utilization in adulthood, and no research has examined this relationship during pregnancy. The current study extends existing research by investigating the relationship between ACEs and dental cleaning and dental care utilization during pregnancy among a sample of women who delivered live births in North Dakota and South Dakota. Data are from the 2017 to 2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in North Dakota and South Dakota (n = 7391). Multiple logistic regression is used to examine the relationship between the number of ACEs (0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 or more) and dental cleaning during pregnancy. Relative to respondents with 0 ACEs, those with 4 or more ACEs were significantly less likely to report having dental care during pregnancy (OR = 0.757, 95% CI = 0.638, 0.898). By racial and ethnic background, the results showed that the significant associations are concentrated among White and Native American respondents. The results suggest that exposure to 4 or more ACEs is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of dental cleaning during pregnancy among women who delivered a live birth in North Dakota and South Dakota. Further investigations are necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between ACEs and dental cleaning during pregnancy and replicate the findings in other geographic contexts.

Adverse Childhood Experiences May Dampen the Protective Role of Sleep Duration on Adolescent Obesity Risk.

The purpose of this study was to explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as a moderator between sleep duration/irregularity and overweight/obesity in U.S. adolescents. Using the National Survey of Children's Health 2017-2018 cross-sectional dataset, we included adolescents with available sleep and Body Mass Index (BMI) data. In a sample of 24,100 adolescents (mean age = 13.56years, 49.35% female; 51% White), parents reported adolescent's sleep duration/irregularity, and number of ACEs. Logistic regression estimated the interaction between sleep duration/irregularity and the number of ACEs on overweight/obesity risk (BMI ≥ 85th percentile-for-age) using a stepwise approach and accounting for complex survey design. In the 24,100 adolescents, 33% were overweight/obese, 50% had ≥ 1 ACE, 37% slept < 8-10h/night, and 14% had irregular sleep. Accounting for covariates and ACEs, every hour increase in sleep duration was associated with 6% decrease in overweight/obesity odds. There was a significant interaction between sleep duration and ACEs; the association between increasing sleep duration and decreasing odds of overweight/obesity was significant only in adolescents without ACEs (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.80, 0.95], p < 0.001). Increasing sleep duration is a recognized intervention target to decrease obesity risk, yet in adolescents experiencing ≥ 1 ACE, this protective role may be dampened. Future work may explore mechanisms for overweight/obesity development to inform interventions for adolescents facing adversity.

Abstract 26: Types of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Association With Sleep Duration in Children: Analysis of 2020-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health

Background: The number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with suboptimal sleep duration in children; however, the differential association of types of ACEs with sleep duration in youth is unknown. Given the known associations of both ACEs and sleep duration with cardiovascular health, such an investigation will provide insights for targeted clinical intervention. Objective: We investigated the most frequently reported ACE types and the association between each type of ACE and sleep duration among U.S. children aged 6-17 years. Methods: We used data from the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health, the most recent publicly available dataset. Parents or guardians were asked whether their child had ever experienced ten different types of ACEs. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association of sleep duration with each of ACEs. We used the American Heart Association (AHA) Life Essential 8 scoring algorithm to calculate scores for sleep duration (range 0 [lowest] to 100 [highest]). Participants were categorized into three subgroups: (1) meeting age-appropriate optimal sleep duration; (2) ≥1-&lt;2 hour below or ≥ 1 hour above optimal sleep duration; and (3) ≥ 2 hours below optimal sleep duration. Analyses controlled for child’s sex, age, race/ethnicity, household poverty level, regular bedtime, physical activity, and caregiver’s level of education. Results: Parental divorce was the most frequently reported ACE (28.1%) followed by financial hardship (12.9%) and drug abuse (10.1%) among U.S. children aged 6 to 17 years. Adjusting for covariates, 5 of 10 ACEs (parental divorce, parental imprisonment, domestic violence, living with someone who had a problem with alcohol or drugs, unfair treatment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity) were significantly associated with suboptimal sleep category 2. All 10 ACEs were significantly associated with suboptimal sleep category 3. Conclusions: These findings support that ACE type is differentially associated with suboptimal childhood sleep duration and suggests that certain traumatic events experienced during childhood could amplify the adverse effects of poor sleep on cardiovascular health. Healthcare providers should consider screening for ACE type concurrent with sleep duration to better understand aspects contributing to cardiovascular health in childhood.

The impact of childhood adversity on female‐perpetrated intimate partner violence in young adulthood

AbstractPurposeA common conception of intimate partner violence (IPV) is that women rarely use violence against romantic partners, and when they do, this is usually in self‐defence. However, evidence demonstrates that women perpetrate IPV at least as frequently as men, particularly in young adult populations. Despite this, there is still a significant lack of research focusing on women's IPV perpetration, particularly in determining risk markers. The unique relationship between adversity in childhood and IPV perpetration has been recognized in males and it is thought that this relationship may be even more marked in females. The present study aimed to investigate this relationship to see whether experiencing increasing numbers of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) would be associated with higher incidence of female‐perpetrated IPV.MethodsExposure to ACEs and frequency of IPV perpetration was measured through an online survey of young adult females from the general population.ResultsRegression analysis revealed that ACEs did significantly predict the frequency of IPV perpetrated by females. The results showed that the more adversity a female has experienced in childhood, the greater their risk of IPV perpetration in young adulthood.ConclusionsIt is suggested that this relationship potentially exists because adversity in childhood impacts the individual's attachments and processing of social environments, thus resulting in dysfunctional, violent responses to relationship dilemmas throughout life. These results stress the importance of tailoring treatment strategies for female perpetrators to address potential childhood adversity in which their violence may be rooted.

Increases in stress and adverse childhood experiences are associated with the co-occurrence of anxiety and depression in oncology patients

Purpose Identify subgroups of patients with distinct joint anxiety AND depression profiles and evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as stress, resilience, and coping. Design Longitudinal study Participants Patients (n = 1328) receiving chemotherapy. Methods Measures of state anxiety and depression were done six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. All of the other measures were completed prior to second or third cycle of chemotherapy. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the distinct joint anxiety and depression profiles. Findings Three classes were identified (i.e. Low Anxiety and Low Depression (57.5%); Moderate Anxiety and Moderate Depression (33.7%), High Anxiety and High Depression (8.8%)). For all of the stress measures, a dose response effect was seen among the profiles. Two worst profiles reported higher occurrence rates for a number of adverse childhood experiences. Implications for providers Patients need referrals for stress reduction techniques and mental health and social services.

Can ICD-10 Z codes be used as proxy measures for ACE categories? – a proof of concept

ABSTRACT Objective The landmark study by Felitti showed adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence future health outcomes. This paper looks at the routine data collected in a Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) related to contextual factors in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 Z codes) and seeks to identify proxies for the ten original ACEs categories. In the absence of routinely collected ACE categories, these ICD-10 Z codes which could potentially act as ACE proxies would be helpful for clinical understanding and service delivery. Method ICD-10 Z codes collected routinely from 2108 individuals were analysed to identify Z codes which might serve as proxies for the ACE categories. To understand whether these Z codes were used appropriately during service delivery to indicate ACE categories, randomly selected files of patients having at least one of the above Z codes in their list of diagnoses were reviewed. Subsequently, the associations between several Z codes (serving as ACE proxies), demographic factors, and clinical outcome measures were explored. Results Significant differences were observed in terms of the mean ACE score of patients when sex, Indigenous status and certain diagnostic groups were considered. Similarly, when patient groups having exposure to different numbers of ACEs were compared, significant differences were observed in outcome scores (HoNOSCA and CGAS). Conclusion There is evidence that certain Z codes, can act as ACE proxies. This suggests a possible utility of this method in studying other associations and possibly helping to tailor future therapeutic interventions.

Association between number of Adverse Childhood Experiences and depression among older adults is moderated by race.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the association between number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and history of depression among older adults and to explore the interaction by race. MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional analysis of the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data among 60,122 older respondents (≥ 60 years old). The ACE score (zero, one, two-three, ≥four) included questions assessing exposure to eight types of ACEs before age 18. The outcome was the respondent's self-report depression diagnosed (yes/no). Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between ACEs and depression stratified by race. Each model adjusted for age, smoking status, income, education, marital status, and body mass index. ResultsIn this sample of older adults, 47%, 23%, 19% and 10% reported having experienced zero, one, two-three, and four or more types of ACEs, respectively. Depression was reported by 16% of survey respondents. There was a significant interaction between ACE score and race and depression (p = 0.038). Respondents who experienced ≥4 ACEs had higher likelihood of reporting depression for all race/ethnicity groups: non-Hispanic Whites (aOR = 3.83; 95% CI: 3.07, 4.79), non-Hispanic Blacks (aOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.71, 6.71), or Hispanics (aOR = 12.61; 95% CI: 4.75, 33.43). This translated to a large effect size for non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics although the magnitude was bigger for Hispanics. ConclusionThe association between number of ACEs and depression was strongest for older adults who identify as Hispanic, but weaker and less consistent for adults who identify as White and Black.

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on College Student Stress and Well-being

This quantitative study explored the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and college student stress and well-being, including the impacts of gender identity and sexual orientation. Participants were undergraduate students ( n = 760) who answered survey questions related to stress, well-being, and ACEs as part of a larger campus climate survey. Researchers found that number of ACEs and gender identity/sexual orientation were independently associated with stress. Having more ACEs was significantly associated with higher stress scores. LGBTQ + participants had the highest stress scores, followed by cisgender heterosexual women and cisgender heterosexual men. Well-being was not significantly associated with ACEs or gender identity/sexual orientation. Results of the study have implications for college student retention. The high prevalence of ACEs and stress indicates the need for services that help students manage stress and increase well-being to improve their ability to persist and succeed in college.

The association between adverse childhood experiences and sensory impairment in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from a nationwide cohort study in China

BackgroundSensory impairment (SI), as prevalent condition among the elderly, presents a substantial public health burden. ObjectivesTo investigate the association of cumulative and individual adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with SI. MethodsChinese residents aged 45 years and above were recruited from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2018, using stratified random sampling. The number of ACEs was classified into “0 ACE”, “1 to 3 ACEs”, and “≥4 ACEs”. SI was assessed with self-rated visual or hearing status. SI categories included single sensory impairment (SSI), which can be divided into single vision impairment and single hearing impairment. Possessing both vision impairment and hearing impairment was considered as dual sensory impairment (DSI). Longitudinal SI progression encompassed “maintained no SI”, “no SI to SSI”, “no SI to DSI”, “maintained SSI”, “SSI to DSI”, and “maintained DSI”. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines models were used for analysis. ResultsA total of 6812 participants entered the cross-sectional analysis and 5299 entered the longitudinal analysis. Compared to 0 ACE, ≥4 ACEs had a positive association with DSI (OR = 1.57, 95 % CI = 1.20–2.06) but not with single vision impairment (OR = 1.17, 95 % CI: 0.88–1.55) or single hearing impairment (OR = 1.10, 95 % CI: 0.71–1.70), and this association was observed only in females (OR = 1.73, 95 % CI = 1.20–2.51). A linear association was found between cumulative ACEs and both single vision impairment (p = 0.044) and DSI (p < 0.001). Compared to 0 ACE, ≥4 ACEs was associated with a higher risk of progression from SSI to DSI (OR = 1.71, 95 % CI = 1.03–2.84), and the maintained DSI (OR = 2.23, 95 % CI =1.37–3.65). ConclusionACEs were found to be associated with an increased risk and more severe progression of SI later in life. It is imperative to address different types of ACE and incorporate sex-specific measures to mitigate the enduring sensory impact of ACEs.

Sociocultural Risk and Resilience in the Context of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Knowledge about childhood resilience factors relevant in circumstances of marginalization and high numbers of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can improve interventions. To identify sociocultural resilience factors in childhood that are associated with better young adult mental health in the context of ACEs. This cohort study examined 4 waves of data from the Boricua Youth Study, which included Puerto Rican children from the South Bronx, New York, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Participants were aged 5 to 17 years at waves 1 through 3 (2000-2003) and aged 15 to 29 years at wave 4 (2013-2017). Linear and logistic regression models tested the associations of 7 childhood resilience factors and their interaction with ACEs on young adult mental health outcomes. Data were analyzed from June 2021 to October 2023. Perceived stress, major depressive disorder and/or generalized anxiety disorder (MDD/GAD), and substance use disorder (SUD) in young adulthood. Among a total 2004 participants, the mean (SD) age at wave 4 was 22.4 (2.9) years; 1024 participants (51.1%) were female, and 980 (48.9%) were male. Positive parent-child relationships and nonparental adult support during childhood were associated with both lower perceived stress (β = -0.14; SE = 0.02; P < .001; β = -0.08; SE = 0.03; P = .003, respectively) and lower odds of MDD/GAD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.97; aOR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.95, respectively) in young adulthood. Maternal warmth reported during childhood was also associated with lower young adult perceived stress (β = -0.11; SE = 0.02; P < .001). None of the resilience factors were associated with SUD. The resilience factors familism, friendships, and family religiosity were not associated with any of the mental health outcomes. ACEs were associated with poorer mental health outcomes; however, none of the resilience factors exhibited interactions consistent with being protective for ACEs. Unexpectedly, higher family religiosity was associated with more perceived stress in the presence of higher ACEs. The results of this study suggest that promoting positive relationships with adults during childhood may reduce later young adulthood stress and MDD/GAD. However, there is still a need to identify sociocultural childhood protective factors for ACEs. Caution should be taken in assuming what resilience factors are relevant for a given group, as higher family religiosity (one postulated resilience factor) was unexpectedly associated with a stronger, rather than a weaker, association between ACEs and perceived stress in young adulthood.

Adult Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, and Functional Outcomes of Children Resilient to Early Adversity.

Some children are unaffected by mental illness despite exposure to childhood adversity. These children are typically considered resilient. The objective of this study was to follow up such resilient children in adulthood to characterize mental health status, substance use, and functional outcomes. The analysis was based on the prospective, representative Great Smoky Mountains Study (N=1,420). Participants were assessed for psychiatric disorders and exposure to adversity with the structured Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment interview up to eight times in childhood (ages 9-16; 6,674 observations). In total, 1,266 participants (86.3%) were followed up in adulthood at ages 25 and 30 to assess psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and functional outcomes. Seventy-five percent of the sample had met criteria for a psychiatric disorder or displayed subthreshold psychiatric problems by age 16. The number of adverse childhood experiences was strongly associated with childhood psychiatric status. Of children exposed to multiple adversities (N=650), 12.2% (N=63) did not display psychiatric problems. This group meets common definitions of childhood resilience. In adulthood, these individuals showing childhood resilience had greater risk of anxiety (risk ratio=2.9, 95% CI=1.0-9.1) and depressive (risk ratio=4.5, 95% CI=1.1-16.7) disorders, as well as worse physical health (means ratio=0.7, 95% CI=0.5-0.9) and financial or educational functioning (means ratio=0.6, 95% CI=0.5-0.7), compared with individuals exposed to fewer childhood adversities. These individuals showing childhood resilience did not have elevated risk for substance use disorders. Resilience to childhood adversity was uncommon. Individuals who appeared resilient in childhood were at risk for delayed poorer outcomes in adulthood. Public health efforts should prioritize minimizing early adversity exposure over promoting resilience.

Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Adolescent Physical Activity in the United States

ObjectiveTo determine the associations between the number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a population-based, demographically diverse cohort of 9–14-year-olds and to determine which subtypes of ACEs were associated with physical activity levels. MethodsWe analyzed data (n = 7046) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study 4.0 release at baseline and year 2 follow-up. ACE (cumulative score and subtypes) and physical activity (average Fitbit daily steps assessed at Year 2) were analyzed using linear regression analyses. Covariates included race and ethnicity, sex, household income, parent education, body mass index, study site, twins/siblings, and data collection period. ResultsAdjusted models suggest an inverse association between number of ACEs and Fitbit daily steps, with ≥4 (compared to 0) ACEs associated with 567 fewer daily steps (95% CI -902.2, -232.2). Of the ACEs subtypes, emotional abuse (B = −719.3, 95% CI −1430.8, −7.9), physical neglect (B = −423.7, 95% CI −752.8, −94.6), household mental illness (B = −317.1, 95% CI −488.3, −145.9), and household divorce or separation (B = −275.4, 95% CI −521.5, −29.2) were inversely and statistically significant associated with Fitbit daily steps after adjusting for confounders. ConclusionsOur results suggest that there is an inverse, dose-dependent relationship between cumulative number of ACEs and physical activity as measured by daily steps. This work highlights the importance of screening for ACEs among young people at an early age to help identify those who could benefit from interventions or community programs that support increased physical activity.

Initial validation of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) in a sample of Chilean adults

ABSTRACT Background: ICD-11 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) are stress-related disorders. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a widely used instrument to assess PTSD and CPTSD. To date, there is no evidence of the psychometric characteristics of the ITQ in Latin American countries. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the construct and concurrent validity of the Latin American Spanish adaptation of the ITQ in a sample of Chilean adults. Methods: A sample of 275 Chilean young adults completed the ITQ, a traumatic life events checklist, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale short version. Four alternative confirmatory factor analysis models were tested. Correlation analyses were performed to determine concurrent validity with associated measures (number of reported traumatic events, number of adverse childhood experiences, anxiety, depression, and suicidal risk). Results: The second-order two-factor (PTSD and DSO) and the correlated first-order six-factor model provided acceptable fit; however, the first model showed a better fit based on the BIC difference. The PTSD and DSO dimensions, as well as the six ITQ clusters showed positive correlations with reported number of traumatic life-events, reported number of adverse childhood experiences, levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal risk. Conclusions: The ITQ Latin American Spanish adaptation provides acceptable psychometric evidence to assess PTSD and CPTSD in accordance with the ICD-11.

Direct and indirect effects of adverse and protective childhood experiences on symptom improvement in psychotherapy

Objective: To investigate the effects of adverse and protective childhood experiences on symptom improvement in outpatient psychotherapy. Method: We evaluated n = 648 completed outpatient psychodynamic psychotherapies. First, we estimated the rate of symptom improvement for each patient using a two-stage hierarchical linear model. We then calculated the direct and indirect influences of childhood experiences on the improvement rate using a structural equation model. Personality functioning, according to the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis system, was examined as being a possible mediating factor. Results: The presence of adverse childhood experiences was directly associated with a slower improvement rate in psychotherapy. Moreover, a higher number of adverse childhood experiences was associated with greater impairments in the ability to communicate as one dimension of personality functioning, which in turn was associated with a slower improvement of symptoms. Protective childhood experiences were associated with fewer impairments in specific dimensions of personality functioning, but had no direct effect on the improvement rate. Conclusions: Adverse childhood experiences can directly influence the course of psychotherapy. In addition, the communication dimension of personality functioning appears to be a central mediator on which adverse and protective childhood experiences act antagonistically and can thus indirectly affect the improvement rate in psychotherapy.

Short-Term Brain-Based Growth Mindset Pilot Intervention Indicates Potential of Diversion Programs For Early Offenders in the Juvenile Justice System

The goal of the present research was to determine if a Brain-Based Growth Mindset Pilot Intervention implemented in a juvenile detention facility could change a set of beliefs surrounding self-efficacy and knowledge over one’s brain. Previous studies show that growth mindset interventions are most effective with youth from low socioeconomic households, and targeting changes in beliefs is particularly effective during adolescence because of the developmental milestones that accompany puberty. Detained juveniles tend to be adolescent minorities of low-income backgrounds with a higher number of adverse childhood experiences. Twenty-six detained juveniles participated in the pilot intervention. The intervention consisted of four, 30-minute lessons on neuroanatomy of the brain, neural plasticity, emotional regulation, and long-term neuronal development. Impact of the intervention was quantified by a Brain Health Intervention Scale (BHIS). The scale consisted of 31 affirm/deny statements that were designed to measure the knowledge gained or opinion changed by the participant about the brain. Analysis of pre- and postintervention scores on the BHIS indicate that this pilot intervention was a success with significant increases in knowledge from preintervention scores to post- intervention scores. Success in the intervention was negatively correlated with the number of previous detainments. Interventions that occur within the context of juvenile detentions must occur early, before multiple detainments have made it difficult to reverse the fixed mindset in previously detained youth. Results add further evidence that successful growth mindset interventions can be low-cost and light-touch. Brain-based growth mindset interventions must be explored early on as a diversion alternative for juvenile offenders.

Adverse childhood and adulthood experiences and risk of new-onset cardiovascular disease with consideration of social support: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse adulthood experiences (AAEs) and their association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) have not been extensively studied. Considering social support, we evaluated the complex relations of ACEs and AAEs with incident CVD.MethodsThis prospective cohort study used data from the 2014 life course survey and the 2015 and 2018 surveys of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a national survey of Chinese adults aged ≥ 45 years from 28 provinces across China. The study population included 5836 individuals (mean [SD] age, 59.59 [8.22] years, 49.7% were males). Information on ACEs, AAEs, young adulthood social support, health behavior factors, health status factors, and demographics was measured. Cox regression models, the difference method to estimate the mediation proportion, and the additive and multiplicative interactions were performed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.ResultsDuring follow-up, 789 incident cases of CVD occurred. The fully adjusted model, including demographics, health behaviors, health status factors (e.g., depressive symptoms), and social support as control variables, demonstrated that the overall number of ACEs (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.14) and AAEs (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.22) were associated with an increased risk of incident CVD. A dose–response relationship existed between the number of ACEs or AAEs and incident CVD risk. The overall AAEs were found to mediate 17.7% (95% CI: 8.2 to 34.2%) of the association between ACEs and incident CVD. Moreover, a significant additive interaction between ACEs and AAEs was detected (RERI [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.09 to 0.56]). Compared with adults without exposure to both ACE and AAE, those with exposure to both at least one ACE and one AAE indicator had the highest risk of incident CVD (HR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.72 to 2.23).ConclusionsExposure to ACEs or AAEs was independently associated with an increased risk of incident CVD among Chinese middle-aged and older adults in a dose–response manner, and the overall AAEs partially mediated the association between ACEs and incident CVD. Preventive measures aimed at addressing either ACEs or AAEs alone may not significantly reduce the risk of CVD later in life. The necessity of a comprehensive life-course health strategy targeting the prevention of adversity merits increased attention.

Adverse Childhood Experiences as Risk Factor for the Development of Substance Addiction

Research indicates that the likelihood of developing addiction increases with the number of adverse childhood experiences [ACE]. ACE are common precursors to early initiation of psychoactive substance use [PAS], significantly increasing the risk of substance abuse and faster progression to substance addiction [SA]. ACE are associated with a more severe course of addiction, poorer treatment outcomes, and higher rates of relapse after treatment completion. The aim of this paper is to elucidate the link between ACE and the development of psychoactive substance dependence during adulthood, through the method of analysis and synthesis of empirical and theoretical research. The theoretical framework of the paper is based on the theories of cumulative inequality and trauma, which provide overarching postulates for interpreting the link between childhood adversity and SA, and offer conceptual insights into understanding the detrimental effects of ACE on the biopsychosocial development of individuals. This approach challenges the traditional notions of addiction as a “personal choice”, “moral irresponsibility”, “circumstantial coincidence”, or “genetic predisposition”. The paper provides guidelines that emphasise the need for an integrative approach in addressing trauma and addiction, as well as a holistic approach to individuals undergoing addiction treatment.

Do past and present adverse experiences impact the mental health of children? A study among children in the Juvenile Justice System in India.

Children in the Juvenile Justice System (JJS) in India include children who may have engaged in criminal acts and children who cannot be cared for by their families of origin for various reasons. Given the nature of the children in such circumstances, they face multiple challenges growing up. Few studies from India have systematically explored interpersonal experiences, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or bullying experiences, and their effects on these children's mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted using standardized scales to identify the frequencies of and relationships between life experiences and current mental health outcomes (stress, well-being, and psychopathology) faced by children residing in seven child care institutions (CCIs) across two states in India. Of the 278 children who participated in the study, at least one ACE was endorsed by 86.7%, and at least one instance of bullying was experienced by 71.7%. A significant negative correlation was noted between the number of ACEs, bullying experiences, and well-being and a significant positive correlation with stress and psychopathology. Information about the family of origin was significantly associated with lower psychopathology and stress scores. This study highlights the relationship between mental health outcomes, ACEs, and bullying experiences in children in the JJS in India. The study identifies the immediate and ongoing effects of these experiences on children's mental health and, thus, focuses on the need for appropriate interventions to allay the effects of these experiences.