To investigate the differential associations of individual adverse childhood experience (ACE) domains with mental health and interpersonal violence outcomes in a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of emerging adults.
Approach:
Study Design: Analyzed data from waves 5 and 6 of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study initiated in 2018, focusing on students from urban and suburban middle schools in southeast Texas.
Participants: 1850 participants aged 18-25 years were included, with high retention rates (76.0% at wave 5 and 73.4% at wave 6).
Data Collection: Participants self-reported ACEs using the Philadelphia ACEs survey, which included conventional and community-level adversities.
Outcome Measures: Mental health (depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation), substance use, interpersonal violence, and academic mobility were assessed.
Statistical Analysis: Multilevel logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between ACE categories and outcomes, controlling for various demographic factors.
Key Findings:
ACEs are linked to poor mental health outcomes, substance use, and interpersonal violence.
Individual ACE domains showed differential associations with various health outcomes.
The study highlighted the importance of considering community-level adversities in ACE research.
Limitations:
Reliance on retrospective self-reports may introduce recall bias.
Limited study of ACEs among ethnically diverse emerging adults.
