scholarly journals Assessment and screening of positive childhood experiences along with childhood adversity in research, practice, and policy

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-281
Author(s):  
Jillian S. Merrick ◽  
Angela J. Narayan
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Research Practice ◽  
Childhood Experiences

Setting the scene for eating disorders: childhood care, classification and course of illness

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 663-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Schmidt ◽  
Jane Tiller ◽  
Janet Treasure
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Parental Control ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Childhood Care

SynopsisThe aim of this study was to determine whether the childhood experiences of patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa differ and affect the course of the illness. A semistructured interview developed by Harris et al. (1986) was used to assess the childhood family environment of 64 patients with restricting anorexia nervosa (RAN), 23 patients with bulimic anorexia nervosa (BAN), 37 bulimic patients with a history of anorexia nervosa (BN/HistAN) and 79 patients with normal weight bulimia nervosa (BN).There were no significant differences between groups in terms of parental mental disorder, low parental control or childhood sexual abuse. BN patients had had significantly more family arrangements and had experienced more parental indifference, excessive parental control, physical abuse, and violence against other family members than RAN patients with the BAN and BN/HistAN group being intermediate. There was a trend for BN-patients to have had more intra-familial discord than the other groups. Different aspects of adversity tended to cluster in the same patients and 65% of the bulimic group had experienced two or more types of childhood adversity. These results suggest that childhood experiences contribute to the form of eating disorder which later develops.

Early Adversity and Neurodevelopment

2021 ◽  
pp. 315-336
Author(s):  
Raissa Miller
Keyword(s):  
Brain Research ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Early Adversity ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
School Based ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Early Life Events ◽  
The Impact

This chapter addresses the impact of early childhood adversity on the developing brain and nervous system. The author provides a critical review of the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and expands the concept of early adversity to include systemic and environmental stressors and a focus on resilience in addition to potential pathology. Particular focus is given to reviewing contemporary neuroscience research on the influence of negative early life events, including impacts on brain structure, function, connectivity, epigenetic processes, and inflammation. The author identifies overarching findings while also acknowledging limitations of the current science and the difficulties inherent in practitioners' translating primary brain research into school-based interventions. Some ideas for practical applications of the science are provided.

scholarly journals Adverse childhood experiences and poor birth outcomes in a diverse, low-income sample

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua P. Mersky ◽  
ChienTi Plummer Lee
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Risk Models ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with an array of health consequences in later life, but few studies have examined the effects of ACEs on women’s birth outcomes. Methods We analyzed data gathered from a sample of 1848 low-income women who received services from home visiting programs in Wisconsin. Archival program records from a public health database were used to create three birth outcomes reflecting each participant’s reproductive health history: any pregnancy loss; any preterm birth; any low birthweight. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to test the linear and non-linear effects of ACEs on birth outcomes, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and education. Results Descriptive analyses showed that 84.4% of women had at least one ACE, and that 68.2% reported multiple ACEs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that cumulative ACE scores were associated with an increased likelihood of pregnancy loss (OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.08–1.17), preterm birth (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01–1.12), and low birthweight (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.03–1.15). Additional analyses revealed that the ACE-birthweight association deviated from a linear, dose-response pattern. Conclusions Findings confirmed that high levels of childhood adversity are associated with poor birth outcomes. Alongside additive risk models, future ACE research should test interactive risk models and causal mechanisms through which childhood adversity compromises reproductive health.

scholarly journals The frequencies and disparities of adverse childhood experiences in the U.S.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Giano ◽  
Denna L. Wheeler ◽  
Randolph D. Hubach
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance ◽  
Risk Factor Surveillance ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
System Data ◽  
At Risk Populations

Abstract Background Adversity experienced during childhood manifests deleteriously across the lifespan. This study provides updated frequency estimates of ACEs using the most comprehensive and geographically diverse sample to date. Methods ACEs data were collected via BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System). Data from a total of 211,376 adults across 34 states were analyzed. The ACEs survey is comprised of 8 domains: physical/emotional/sexual abuse, household mental illness, household substance use, household domestic violence, incarcerated household member, and parental separation/divorce. Frequencies were calculated for each domain and summed to derive mean ACE scores. Findings were weighted and stratified by demographic variables. Group differences were assessed by post-estimation F-tests. Results Most individuals experienced at least one ACE (57.8%) with 21.5% experiencing 3+ ACEs. F-tests showed females had significantly higher ACEs than males (1.64 to 1.46). Multiracial individuals had a significantly higher ACEs (2.39) than all other races/ethnicities, while White individuals had significantly lower mean ACE scores (1.53) than Black (1.66) or Hispanic (1.63) individuals. The 25-to-34 age group had a significantly higher mean ACE score than any other group (1.98). Generally, those with higher income/educational attainment had lower mean ACE scores than those with lower income/educational attainment. Sexual minority individuals had higher ACEs than straight individuals, with significantly higher ACEs in bisexual individuals (3.01). Conclusion Findings highlight that childhood adversity is common across sociodemographic, yet higher in certain categories. Identifying at-risk populations for higher ACEs is essential to improving the health outcomes and attainment across the lifespan.

scholarly journals Psychological Predictors of Mortality Awareness: Time Perspective, Contentment With Age and Paternal Antipathy and Neglect

2020 ◽  
pp. 003022282094406
Author(s):  
Therese C. F. Willoch ◽  
Mark R. McDermott
Keyword(s):  
Time Perspective ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
Psychological Predictors ◽  
Health Attitudes ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Dependent Variables

Much research has focused upon the association between mortality awareness and mental ill-health. In this study we attempt to explore positive as well as negative psychological concomitants of mortality awareness. 170 participants were recruited in an online questionnaire study, measuring seven independent variables - marginalisation, childhood adversity, rebelliousness, time perspective, attitudes toward age and stage of life, health attitudes and demographics - and five dependent variables, specifically mortality legacy, mortality fearfulness, mortality acceptance, mortality disempowerment and mortality disengagement. Several significant bivariate associations were found. Follow-up regression analysis observed combined effects of variables accounting for 28% of variance in mortality legacy, 27% for mortality fearfulness, 13% for mortality acceptance, 42% for mortality disempowerment and 25% for mortality disengagement. Time perspective, contentment with age, and paternal antipathy and neglect were the most notable independent predictors. It was concluded that attitudes towards health, stage of life and childhood experiences significantly predict mortality awareness.

Including Adverse Childhood Experiences Content in the HBSE Course for BSW Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-166
Author(s):  
Lisa S. Panisch ◽  
Karen A. Randolph ◽  
Shamra Boel-Studt
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Standard Requirement ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
History Of ◽  
Generalist Practice ◽  
Work Education

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) negatively affect biopsychosocial development and functioning across the lifespan. Social workers in generalist practice are likely to serve individuals with a history of childhood adversity. Currently, there is no standard requirement for the topic of ACEs to be addressed in baccalaureate social work education. Our teaching note addresses this gap in the curriculum by establishing a need for baccalaureate social work students to receive trauma-specific education early in their academic careers. Human Behavior in the Social Environment is proposed as a course in which this content can be easily incorporated. Recommendations for future directions are provided.

scholarly journals The relationship between childhood adversity and food insecurity: ‘It’s like a bird nesting in your head’

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 2643-2653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Chilton ◽  
Molly Knowles ◽  
Jenny Rabinowich ◽  
Kimberly T Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveAdverse childhood experiences, including abuse, neglect and household instability, affect lifelong health and economic potential. The present study investigates how adverse childhood experiences are associated with food insecurity by exploring caregivers’ perceptions of the impact of their childhood adversity on educational attainment, employment and mental health.DesignSemi-structured audio-recorded in-person interviews that included (i) quantitative measures of maternal and child health, adverse childhood experiences (range: 0–10) and food security using the US Household Food Security Survey Module; and (ii) qualitative audio-recorded investigations of experiences with abuse, neglect, violence and hunger over participants’ lifetimes.SettingHouseholds in Philadelphia, PA, USA.SubjectsThirty-one mothers of children <4 years old who reported low or very low household food security.ResultsTwenty-one caregivers (68 %) reported four or more adverse childhood experiences, and this severity was significantly associated with reports of very low food security (Fisher’s exact P=0·021). Mothers reporting emotional and physical abuse were more likely to report very low food security (Fisher’s exact P=0·032). Qualitatively, participants described the impact of childhood adverse experiences with emotional and physical abuse/neglect, and household substance abuse, on their emotional health, school performance and ability to maintain employment. In turn, these experiences negatively affected their ability to protect their children from food insecurity.ConclusionsThe associations between mothers’ adverse experiences in childhood and reports of current household food security should inspire researchers, advocates and policy makers to comprehensively address family hardship through greater attention to the emotional health of caregivers. Programmes meant to address nutritional deprivation and financial hardship should include trauma-informed approaches that integrate behavioural interventions.

scholarly journals Identifying Targets for Substance Use Prevention in Young People Exposed to Childhood Adversity: Protocol for a Systematic Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucinda Rachel Grummitt ◽  
Erin Veronica Kelly ◽  
Emma Louise Barrett ◽  
Katherine M Keyes ◽  
Nicola Clare Newton
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Young People ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Substance Use Prevention ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Quantitative Synthesis ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences are prevalent robust risk factors for the development of substance use problems. However, less is known about the causal mechanisms that explain these relationships. While directly preventing adverse childhood experiences is ideal, it is not always possible. In such cases, the mechanisms themselves may be amenable to intervention, allowing for the effective prevention of problematic substance use among children exposed to adversity. Identifying such mechanisms is therefore a critical step for efforts aiming to reduce the high individual and societal burdens associated with substance use globally. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically identify and synthesize evidence on the modifiable mediators and moderators of the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and substance use outcomes in young people (age 10-24 years). METHODS A systematic review will be conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases to determine the modifiable mediators and moderators of the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and substance use in young people. Data from the review will be qualitatively synthesized, unless we identify a sufficient number of studies (at least five) that examine the same type of adversity (eg, physical or sexual abuse) and the same mediator/moderator, in which case a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) will be conducted. If a quantitative synthesis is warranted, standardized effect estimates of the indirect (mediated) effect between adverse childhood experiences and substance use outcomes will be combined using a random-effects meta-analysis. Mediators/moderators will be grouped according to a socioecological perspective, using the four levels of individual, interpersonal, community, and public policy/culture. RESULTS Electronic searches were completed in August 2019. A total of 4004 studies were included for screening after removing duplicates. After evaluating titles and abstracts against eligibility criteria, a further 3590 studies were excluded, leaving 415 studies for full-text screening. The results of the review are expected to be available by December 2020. CONCLUSIONS The mechanisms linking adverse childhood experiences and substance use outcomes in young people are vital targets for substance use prevention efforts. This review will provide evidence to inform the development of prevention strategies in order to interrupt the negative life trajectory that can begin with childhood adversity. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020148773; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020148773 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/22368

scholarly journals 1173The impact of adverse and positive experiences on inflammatory outcomes in Australian and UK children

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuaijun Guo ◽  
Dawid Gondek ◽  
Meredith O’Connor ◽  
Stephanie Cahill ◽  
Marnie Downes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Positive Experiences

Abstract Background Inflammation is one of key mechanisms linking childhood experiences to later chronic disease risk. Childhood adversity is associated with inflammation, but little is known about positive experiences. We examine how adverse and positive experiences are associated with inflammatory markers in late childhood, and whether they have an interaction effect. Methods Data sources: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC; N = 1237) and Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC; N = 3488). Exposures: Adverse and positive experiences assessed from 0 to 11 (LSAC) and 0-14 years (ALSPAC). Adversity indicators included parent legal problems, family violence, mental illness, substance abuse, harsh parenting, parental divorce, neighbourhood violence, family member death, and bullying victimization. Positive experiences included positive parenting practice, trusting and supportive relationships, supportive neighbourhood and home learning environments, social engagement and enjoyment. Outcomes: Inflammation quantified by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA). Analyses: Linear regression was used to estimate relative change in inflammatory markers, adjusted for sociodemographics. Outcomes were log-transformed. Results Exposure to adversity was associated with higher levels of inflammation (e.g., CRP: β = 8.8%, 95% CI= -16.5% to 34.2% in LSAC), whereas exposure to positive experiences was associated with lower levels (e.g., CRP: β=-18.9%, 95% CI= -45.8% to 7.9% in LSAC), after adjusting for sociodemographics. There was no interaction effect of adverse and positive experiences on inflammation. Conclusions Adverse and positive experiences have independent and small effects on children’s inflammation across two cohorts. Key messages Positive experiences are critical to inform interventions to improve inflammatory outcomes for children who face adversity.

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