@article{ref1,
title="Physical, mental, and behavioral health after adverse and benevolent childhood experiences: A comparison of two adversity conceptualizations",
journal="Psychological trauma: theory, research, practice, and policy",
year="2024",
author="Ho, Grace W. K. and Chan, Ko Ling and Wong, Kwan Ho and Leung, Sau Fong and Karatzias, Thanos",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences (ACEs and BCEs) impact health across the lifespan. No known study has investigated these associations across different health domains using a representative adult sample. This study examined the associations between adult physical, mental, and behavioral health with ACEs and BCEs based on two ACEs conceptualizations. <br><br>METHOD: A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in Hong Kong. Thirteen ACEs were measured and conceptualized as cumulative ACE scores and ACE patterns. Self-reports of BCEs; 10 physical health problems; current mental health; posttraumatic stress; history of diagnosed mental illness; suicidal thought and suicide attempt; and engagement in three health risk behaviors (smoking, illicit substance misuse, binge drinking) were also included. A series of regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between childhood experiences and health. <br><br>RESULTS: In a random sample of 1,070 Hong Kong adults (M(age) = 41.78 years; 53.93% female; mean ACEs = 1.64), 649 (60.65%) reported at least one ACE. Four ACE patterns were identified (Low ACEs, Household Instability, Household Violence, and High ACEs). Higher ACE scores associated with poorer health in a dose-response fashion. Two ACE patterns shared similar average ACE scores but differentially linked with outcomes across health domains. High BCEs negatively associated with mental and behavioral health problems. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Public health responses to ACEs should consider both the accumulation and co-occurrence of ACE exposure. Schools, neighborhoods, and the wider community should take an active role in helping children and families create more positive experiences as a universal prevention strategy to safeguard population health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1942-9681",
doi="10.1037/tra0001732",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0001732"
}