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The connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and future behavioural problems
Fri, September 5, 9:30 to 10:45am, Deree | Classrooms, DC 601Abstract
Studies have found that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which include different kind of maltreatment, negligence and family dysfunctions, have negative outcomes on the future development of children and adolescents (Felitti et al., 1998; Hughes et al., 2017). However, little is known about its impact during the emerging adulthood period or in non-English speaking countries. For this reason, the present study aims to investigate the role of ACEs in a wide range of behavioural problems in a sample of Spanish emerging adults. To this end, 490 young adults (62.4% females) between the ages of 18 and 20 (M= 18.90; SD = .77) took part in the study. Participants retrospectively completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire along with questions assessing both current and past psychosocial and family vulnerabilities, including influences like deviant peers, substance abuse, juvenile justice involvement, and other risk factors. Additionally, the Deviant Behavior Variety Scale was also used to assess deviant behaviours (illegal and not illegal) over the last year. Logistic and linear regressions results showed that the sum of ACEs as well as being male predicted a higher likelihood of deviant behaviour as well as a higher number of cops problems and drug use. In terms of specific ACEs, abuse (specifically physical and sexual abuse) was positively related to deviant behaviour, juvenile detention centers and drug use. Family dysfunctions (incarcerated relatives and household substance abuse) were related to a higher probability of being arrested and higher substance use (both drugs and alcohol). In contrast, witnessing domestic violence acted as a protective factor decreasing the odds of drug use. These findings underscore the importance of early assessing exposure to ACEs and implementing policies and intervention programmes to children and adolescents at risk to avoid future behavioural problems in adulthood.