2-086 - Parental History of Adversity (ACEs) and Child Psychopathology: Colorado State, Tribal and Early Head Start Data

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

The seminal Adverse Childhood Experiences Study raised awareness and contributed a wealth of data regarding the tremendous potential impact of childhood maltreatment and household dysfunction on adult well-being (Felitti et al., 1999). Here we examine the impact of parental history of adversity on child outcomes and explore possible mechanisms. Paper 1 reports Colorado state-level survey data and suggests substantially increased risk of externalizing problems, ADD/ADHD and mental health need in children of parents with 4 or more ACEs. ACEs did not predict harsh parenting. Paper 2 reports data from an ongoing study (n=75) at a Tribal Early Head Start site. In this population, parental ACE predicted child socio-emotional functioning above and beyond parent mental health, but internalizing or externalizing symptoms were best predicted by parent’s current anxiety/depression. Paper 3 reports data from an ongoing study of Early Head Start families in the Denver Metro area (n=155). In this population, parental ACE predicted child externalizing symptoms above and beyond the influence of parent mental health, while child internalizing symptoms were best predicted by parent’s depression/anxiety. Parental ACEs did not predict observed negative parenting. Together these data suggest that ACEs may result in child mental health concerns in part via ACE effects on parent mental health, but perhaps not (or not exclusively) via continuity of maltreatment. Further, children’s externalizing symptoms may be particularly vulnerable to a history of parental adversity. Discussion will include suggestions for future studies and implications for policies and agencies serving families with complex needs.

Sub Unit

• Developmental Psychopathology

Chair

• Samantha Brown, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Discussant

• Brenda Jones Harden, University of Maryland

Individual Presentations

• Parental History of Adversity & Greatly Increased Odds of Child Mental Health Problems: Linked State-Level Data from Colorado - Presenting Author: Samantha Brown, University of Colorado Colorado Springs; Jordana Ash, CO Dept of Human Services

• Adverse childhood experiences in an American Indian context: Long-term impacts on mental health and intergenerational effects - Presenting Author: Hannah Saunders, Colorado State University; Michelle Sarche, Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado Denver; Zeynep Biringen, Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

• Parental History of Adversity (ACE Score), Current Family Functioning, and Child Outcomes - Presenting Author: Lisa Schlueter, University of Denver; Marina M. Mendoza, National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice; Eliana Hurwich-Reiss, University of California San Diego; Elanah Barrow, University of Denver; Philip A. Fisher, University of Oregon; Sarah Enos Watamura, University of Denver