The influence of adverse and positive childhood experiences on young people's mental health and experiences of self-harm and suicidal ideation

Adverse childhood experiences, positive childhood experiences, suicidal thoughts or behaviors and psychological distress among Kenyan youth-an exploratory analysis of the 2019 Kenya Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS)

BACKGROUND

Early childhood experiences, whether positive or adverse, significantly impact health across the lifespan. Children and youth in low-resource settings face unique challenges that increase their vulnerability to poor mental health.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and suicidal thoughts or behaviors as well as psychological distress, and to explore the moderating role of parent-related positive childhood experiences (PPCEs) on this association.

PARTICIPANT AND SETTING

We used data from the 2019 Kenya Violence Against Children and Youth Survey.

METHODS

Analyses were restricted to youth ages 18-24. ACEs were dichotomized (into those who have experienced at least one ACEs and those who have not), and logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between ACEs, PPCEs, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors and psychological distress stratified by sex.

RESULTS

Significantly more males (75.8 %) than females (57.6 %) experienced at least 1 ACE in their lifetime (p = 0.0003). PPCEs are common; however, significantly more males (59.9 %) than females (41.2 %) had a strong father-child relationship (p = 0.0003). ACEs were positively associated with suicidal thoughts or behaviors and psychological distress, with notable sex-specific differences in the associations. Conversely, PPCEs were negatively associated with those outcomes, but there were also sex-specific differences in the associations. No significant interaction effect was observed between ACEs, PPCEs, and the mental health outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors and psychological distress are pervasive problems that are common among youth in Kenya, and the associations with ACEs vary by sex. A multilevel approach and evidenced-based intervention strategies that consider the context of sociocultural norms are crucial to prevention and response efforts.

Screening Children for Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences in Primary Care

With their predictable contact and rapport with families, pediatricians, and pediatric care teams have great potential for promoting trauma resilience, including positive childhood experiences (PCEs), and identifying and responding early to childhood trauma and traumatic stress. This article provides an overview of practical screening measures for both trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress alongside PCEs that can be utilized by pediatric providers. We first discuss the history of trauma screening in primary care, provide brief descriptions of screening tools for primary care practice, and end with clinical, training, and research implications.

Beneficial Childhood Experiences Mitigate the Negative Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Adults

Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, play a crucial role in shaping individual development. Extensive research has demonstrated that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long-lasting negative effects on physical, mental, and social health. Over the last two decades, many studies have found a strong link between ACEs and poor health outcomes in adults. However, there is less understanding of how positive childhood experiences (BCEs) might lead to better health in adulthood, particularly in overcoming adversity. This study aims to explore how BCEs impact adult physical and mental health and how they might mitigate the harmful effects of ACEs. Resilience theory served as the theoretical framework for this research. A total of 177 participants aged 19 to 41 years completed an online survey evaluating their physical, social, cognitive, and mental health, including their ACEs and BCEs. Regression analyses were used to investigate the connections between BCEs, ACEs, and adult health. The results show that BCEs act as protective factors that enhance overall well-being and significantly reduce depressive symptoms and physical discomfort. Additionally, when ACE levels are moderate, positive childhood experiences can largely counteract the negative health effects of ACEs.

Resilience revisited: a systematic review and synthesis of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) and its relation with resilience

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current study is to examine the relationship between nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and resilience. Resilience has been identified as a critical area for further investigation in the context of NSSI. Resilience has been conceptualized in different ways over the years, from psychological resilience, with a focus on the individual's problem/deficiency, into a dynamic, cultural, interactive process in which people's biological, psychological, social, and ecological systems work together to help them cope with challenges and maintain or improve their mental well-being.

METHOD

For this systematic review was searched within PubMed, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for currently published studies on the relationship between NSSI and resilience to provide a summary, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-analysis and Meta-Analysis. Second, it determines the magnitude of this relationship by calculating a random effects size, using the meta-package of R.

RESULTS

Included were 17 studies with a total sample size of 12,273 participants (Mage = 17.56, range: 12.93-27.50, SD = 3.95; female: 59.5%) and a NSSI sample size of 4,767 (38.8%). The pooled results indicate a small to moderate relationship between resilience and NSSI, with a random effects model effect size of 0.28 (95% CI: 0.10; 0.47), with higher levels or the presence of NSSI associated with lower levels of resilience. Most studies measured psychological resilience. Several reporting the moderator and mediator function of resilience, whereby higher resilience reduces the odds of developing NSSI in the case of stressful or traumatic events. A minority of studies reported effect sizes per resilience factor. Of which problem solving/coping and emotional reactivity were predominantly reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Resilience is related to NSSI. However, it also shows that resilience is mostly measured as a psychological and individual concept. This is contrary to the multimodal perspective of resilience as well as the multimodal and non-linear nature of the recovery process of NSSI. Therefor this review highlights the need for a holistic approach with a shift in focus to a multimodal perspective. More research is needed to understand the role of resilience within the nonlinear recovery process. This research should include the voices of people with lived experience.

Associations between adverse childhood experiences, resilience, and health and educational outcomes using data from the 2022 National Survey of Children's Health

BACKGROUND

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with poor childhood health. There is increasing interest in understanding the influence of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) because of their potential protective role against ACEs.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to understand 1) whether PCEs are protective against developing learning disabilities and mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral conditions (MEDBC); 2) whether this relationship varies by number of ACEs.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

We analyzed the 2022 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH).

METHODS

We constructed a variable for "high ACEs" (4+), and 6 PCEs were considered. Outcomes were MEDBC and learning disability. Logistic regression models were: 1) using high ACEs and each individual PCE as predictors; and 2) Model 1 + an interaction term for high ACEs x each PCE. Models were nationally weighted using survey-provided sampling weights and controlled for covariates with significance at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 53,133 children. In Model 1, each PCE except reading together (p = 0.795) and singing together (p = 0.551) was associated with a significantly lower odds of having MEDBC. Each PCE except reading together (p = 0.259), singing together (p = 0.583), and having meals together (p = 0.726) was associated with a significantly lower odds of having learning disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of number of ACEs, PCEs were associated with lower odds of having a MEDBC and a learning disability. As the enthusiasm for ACEs screening continues, clinicians should also consider PCE screening.

Parenting styles and suicidal ideation among Chinese college students: The mediating role of perceived social support

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the relationship between parenting styles and suicidal ideation among college students, with a focus on the mediating role of perceived social support.

METHODS

A total of 608 college students completed the Self-Rating Idea of Suicide Scale, the short-form Egna Minnen av. Barndoms Uppfostran (EMBU) for Chinese, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. This study conducted correlation analysis using SPSS 29.0 and performed mediation effect analysis using structural equation modeling in AMOS 26.0.

RESULTS

(1) Significant correlations were found among suicidal ideation, parenting styles, and perceived social support; (2) Parental emotional warmth was significantly and negatively associated with suicidal ideation (r = -0.34, p < 0.001), while both parental rejection (r = 0.32, p < 0.001) and overprotection (r = 0.28, p < 0.001) were significantly and positively associated with suicidal ideation; (3) Perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between positive parenting styles and suicidal ideation (effect size = -0.23, 95 % CI = [-0.31, -0.17]) as well as the relationship between negative parenting styles and suicidal ideation (effect size = 0.05, 95 % CI = [0.01, 0.10]).

CONCLUSION

Positive parenting styles are associated with higher levels of perceived social support and lower likelihood of suicidal ideation among college students. These findings extend the applicability of parenting style theory and the internal working model of attachment theory to extreme behavioral ideation.

Exploring Support Preferences for Young Women Who Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study

Rates of self-harm among young women have been increasing in recent years across multiple high-income nations. Given the negative outcomes associated with self-harm, it is essential that young women who engage in self-harm receive the support that best addresses their specific needs. The aim of the current study is to explore support preferences among Australian young women with a history of self-harm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 young women (M = 20.9, SD = 2.1) with a history of self-harm, recruited through social media posts. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. Thematic analysis of the data identified themes pertaining to the following: (1) the types of support young women want around self-harm, and (2) how young women would like to receive support for self-harm. Regarding the former, participants expressed wanting information about self-harm and self-harm interventions, education about self-harm for those around them, age-specific mental health education, and alternative coping strategies. Some participants expressed not wanting any support. Regarding the latter, participants wanted self-harm information to be provided by health professionals and in school settings, and preferred for information to be provided in written or digital forms. The findings highlight the need to improve access to formal mental health support among young women, the importance of young people being able to access support confidentially, and the need for young peoples' caregivers and health professionals to be educated about self-harm. Additionally, the findings support a role for schools in providing information about mental health and available support.

Positive childhood experiences in mental health of young adults across adverse childhood experiences levels: A study from Delhi-NCR, India

BACKGROUND

While the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult health outcomes has received substantial scientific attention, the role of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) has far less widely been explored, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to understand the association of exposure to cumulative and individual PCEs with current depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India, independently and across ACE exposure levels.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

This cross-sectional study involved 1553 young adults (aged 18-25) of both sexes (70.3 % females) residing in Delhi-NCR.

METHODS

PCEs and ACEs were measured using the Benevolent Childhood Experiences scale and ACE- International Questionnaire, respectively. Depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being were screened using validated tools.

RESULTS

In the overall analysis, exposure to PCEs was negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress and positively associated with well-being, even after accounting for ACEs. Feeling comfortable with oneself emerged as the most important PCE item with respect to studied mental health conditions. The stratified analysis showed that while the PCE score was associated only with depression (negatively) in the no ACE category, it was associated with all the studied outcome variables in higher ACE categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found PCEs to be associated with better mental health outcomes across varying ACE levels, with the protective effect being particularly pronounced in high ACE contexts. Promoting PCEs can help improve mental health outcomes and well-being despite adversities.

The Impact of Positive Childhood Experiences: A Systematic Review Focused on Children and Adolescents

Childhood and adolescence are crucial stages of life, characterized by significant changes that profoundly influence overall development. While positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can help mitigate the effects of adverse events during these formative years, they have not been as thoroughly researched. Then, this systematic review aims to address this gap by organizing the existing literature on PCEs and examining their impact on both positive and negative outcomes in children and adolescents. A search through databases such as B-On, PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Scielo, as well as supplementary searches, identified 30 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that most studies were published in the last 4 years, primarily in the USA, and focused on community populations with mixed samples. In addition, the results reveal that among children and adolescents, higher levels of PCEs were associated with better mental health outcomes (e.g., reduced depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, substance use, and suicidal ideation), improved psychosocial outcomes (e.g., enhanced adult functioning and future orientation), better academic achievement (e.g., reduced absenteeism and fewer academic difficulties), and some improvements in physical health (e.g., reduced chronic pain). However, the relationship between PCEs and behavioral outcomes showed mixed results. Strengthening efforts to promote PCEs and resources that support child and adolescent resilience is crucial. Further research involving diverse samples is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the role of PCEs.

Brain mapping, biomarker identification and using machine learning method for diagnosis of anxiety during emotional face in preschool children

BACKGROUND

Due to the importance and the consequences of anxiety, the goals of the current study are brain mapping, biomarker identification and the use of an assessment method for diagnosis of anxiety during emotional face in preschool children.

METHOD

45 preschool children participated in this study. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data were taken in fearful and angry conditions. The functional connectivity (FC) for the limbic system were extracted by ROI-to-ROI method. The fMRI biomarkers (FC) were given to machine learning models as input features to diagnose anxiety in children for angry and fearful conditions.

RESULT

The results of the brain mapping comparisons between anxiety and the non-anxiety showed that there was an increased FC between medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and right lateral amygdala (RLA) and a decreased FC between left anterior hippocampus (LAH) and left posterior hippocampus (LPH) in the angry condition. There was an increased FC between the pairs of regions, RLA- right anterior hippocampus (RAH), MPFC-LPH, and RAH-LPH in fearful condition. It is possible to use the FC between LAH- right medial amygdala (RMA) and the FC between left medial amygdala (LMA)-RMA, LMA-RLA, LMA-RAH, and left lateral amygdala (LLA)-RLA instead of IQ in angry and fearful conditions, respectively. Based on metrics such as accuracy, recall, precision, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the Logistic Lasso Regression model outperformed the other model in diagnosing anxiety.

CONCLUSION

With these findings, psychiatrists and psychologists can have a better understanding of the brain connectivity in children.

Prevalence and predictors of positive childhood experiences and their relationship with adverse childhood experiences among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India

BACKGROUND

Although positive childhood experiences (PCEs) have been reported to be crucial for healthy development and better mental and physical health outcomes, their epidemiology and relationship with adverse childhood experiences (ACE) exposure in low and middle-income countries, including India remain underexplored.

AIMS

The present study aimed to ascertain the prevalence and predictors of PCE exposure and understand the relationship between PCE and ACE exposure among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,573 young adults (18-25 years) of both sexes (69.7% females) recruited from two Universities in Delhi-NCR, India. PCEs and ACEs were measured using the Benevolent Childhood Experiences scale and ACE-International Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the total participants, 42.6% reported experiencing all 10 PCEs, while 50.2% had experienced 6 to 9, and 7.2% had experienced 0 to 5 PCEs. Further, the mean PCE score of the sample was 8.64. Certain sociodemographic groups, for instance, participants from immigrant families, sexual minority groups and those who were obese during childhood than their respective counterparts were at lower odds of high PCE exposure. Also, the study found a significant inverse correlation between ACE and PCE exposure levels; however, the effect size was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates the need for targeted PCE promotion interventions for disadvantaged sociodemographic groups. The intervention should simultaneously aim at reducing ACEs, as PCE promotion alone may not always lead to ACE reduction.

Health Associations of Positive Childhood Experiences: A Scoping Review of the Literature

We report the results of a scoping review of the literature investigating associations between positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and selected health outcomes to identify which have the highest level of research activity based on the indexed academic literature. Yielded articles underwent title/abstract (Ti/Ab) and full text screening utilizing inclusion/exclusion criteria. The review was guided by PCE categories from the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences framework: relationships, environment, engagement, and emotional growth. The initial search yielded 8,919 unduplicated articles, 759 were retained following Ti/Ab review and 220 articles were retained after full text screening describing 795 tested associations across 23 PCE types in ten outcome categories. The outcomes most commonly examined were substance misuse (305 tested associations across 93 studies), suicidal behaviors (195 tested associations across 56 studies), and depression (112 tested associations across 55 studies). Physical health outcomes were less common (14 tested associations across six studies). Of the PCE exposures, relationships represented 415 of tested associations, 236 with environment, and 114 with social engagement. A significant body of research demonstrated associations between PCEs and health outcomes. While further research is needed, available research suggests that public health efforts to promote PCEs may have impact across multiple domains.

Prevalence and risk factors of parental mental health problems: A cross-sectional study

An understanding of the prevalence and risk factors of parental mental health problems is important for early intervention and prevention measures and shaping services for parents and their children. However, large representative surveys of parental mental health problems and associated risk factors are lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence rates of parental mental health problems using a standardised measure of psychiatric morbidity (General Health Questionnaire; GHQ-12), in a representative sample of parents and caregivers of children and young people (2-19 years) in Northern Ireland. Further, this study explored associated risk factors of parental mental health problems. A random household survey of parents and children was conducted between June 2019 and March 2020. Parental responses on demographic, economic, familial and psychological measures were collected (N = 2815) and 22% of parents and caregivers screened positive for mental health problems. The STROBE checklist for observational research was adhered to. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that being in receipt of benefits, having poor family support, a history of adverse childhood experiences, a history of exposure to politically motivated violence (the Troubles), and a child with conduct problems and poor health were all independent risk factors of increased parental mental health problems. Findings will help to inform future commissioning and development of services and broaden understanding of the correlates of parental mental health problems.

Prevalence of self-harm among children and adolescents in the Republic of Ireland: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Youth self-harm (SH) is viewed as a public health concern and one of the main reasons for urgent psychiatry assessment. This systematic review sought to establish prevalence of SH among youth in Ireland.

METHODS

A systematic review using pre-defined search terms was conducted (Jan 1980-March 2024).

RESULTS

From a total of 204 papers identified, 18 were included. Significant variation in rates of SH was found. Limiting data to adolescent years (15-18), best estimates for overall lifetime rates of SH ranged from 1.5% (when rates of SH were reported based on a two-stage study design), to 23% (where SH was limited to non-suicidal SH). SH was typically higher in females, impulsive in nature, and occurred in the home setting. Whilst almost half of youth sought help before (43.7%) or after (49.8%) the SH episode, this was most often to a friend or family member. Overall rates of professional help seeking were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Robust studies using clear definitions of terms, separately capturing SH with and without suicidal intent, and distinguishing SH in the context of a mental illness, are required to inform service developments. Given the frequent occurrence of SH among youth accompanied by predominance of help seeking via friends and family, it is imperative that psychoeducation is delivered to families and peers. Out of hours community and specialist mental health services are essential to address this important issue.

Perceived control ameliorates the impact of adverse childhood experiences on downstream mental health

BACKGROUND

Previous scholarship has illustrated the pernicious role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in self-reported mental health, namely depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Given these insights, highlighting protective factors that may diminish the magnitude of this relationship is important. The present study explored the moderating role of perceived control on the relationship between ACEs and depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively.

METHODS

Participants consisted of a US-based non-clinical sample of 567 undergraduate students who completed a battery of surveys related to psychological wellbeing and individual differences. A series of hierarchical linear regression analyses were utilized for hypothesis testing.

RESULTS

Consistent with our main hypotheses, perceived control moderated the relationship between ACEs and both anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Namely, at low levels of perceived control, ACEs were associated with significantly greater levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. However, for those reporting high levels of perceived control, we found no association between ACEs and self-reported symptoms.

CONCLUSION

We offer evidence that perceived control may serve as a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing against the influence of adverse childhood experiences.

Examining the relative impact of adverse and positive childhood experiences on adolescent mental health: A strengths-based perspective

BACKGROUND

It is well-documented that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a negative impact on mental health outcomes across the lifespan, while Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) act as a protective factor. Less is known about the relative impact of ACEs and PCEs on mental health outcome for adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

The present study sought to identify the relative impact of ACEs and PCEs on mental health outcomes for youth.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Data were drawn from a state-wide, cross-sectional health survey of 12-17 year-olds (n = 1169) conducted on a continuous basis throughout 2021, following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Adolescents completed ACEs and PCEs screeners and the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale to assess current mental health symptoms. A multiple regression analysis controlling for age, gender, and poverty level, was conducted to examine the relative impacts of ACEs and PCEs on mental health outcomes.

RESULTS

Male gender, younger age, lower family poverty level (e.g., more financial hardship), absence of ACEs, and experiencing more PCEs were significantly associated with better mental health outcomes for adolescents [F(5, 1163) = 104.48, p < .001]. Notably, ACEs were found to account for only 9 % of variance in mental health outcomes (ΔR2 = 0.09), while PCEs accounted for 18 % of variance (ΔR2 = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

PCEs explained approximately double the variance in mental health outcomes for adolescents compared to ACEs. Results indicate promoting youths' exposure to PCEs in childhood and adolescence may offer a meaningful pathway for supporting adaptive mental health outcomes.

Exploring the impact of adverse childhood experiences on health and cognitive functions in older adults

This study examines whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict long-term health issues and how ACEs, alongside stress, impact well-being and cognitive abilities in older adults. 279 adults were categorized into three age groups (30-46, 47-60, and 61-80). Participants completed an online survey assessing health problems, stress, resilience, and ACEs. Additionally, 32 older adults underwent cognitive tests. ACE scores predicted physical and psychological diseases in adults but not in older adults. However, a significant correlation between ACEs and cognitive abilities was evident in older participants. ACEs are significant indicators of long-term health issues and stress in adults but may not predict these factors in older individuals. Understanding ACEs' impact on cognitive abilities in older adults is crucial for tailored interventions and support.

Allostasis, health, and development in Latin America

The lifespan is influenced by adverse childhood experiences that create predispositions to poor health outcomes. Here we propose an allostatic framework of childhood experiences and their impact on health across the lifespan, focusing on Latin American and Caribbean countries. This region is marked by significant social and health inequalities nested in environmental and social stressors, such as exposure to pollution, violence, and nutritional deficiencies, which critically influence current and later-life health outcomes. We review several manifestations across cognition, behavior, and the body, observed at the psychological (e.g., cognitive, socioemotional, and behavioral dysfunctions), brain (e.g., alteration of the development, structure, and function of the brain), and physiological levels (e.g., dysregulation of the body systems and damage to organs). To address the complexity of the interactions between environmental and health-related factors, we present an allostatic framework regarding the cumulative burden of environmental stressors on physiological systems (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine) related to health across the life course. Lastly, we explore the relevance of this allostatic integrative approach in informing regional interventions and public policy recommendations. We also propose a research agenda, potentially providing detailed profiling and personalized care by assessing the social and environmental conditions. This framework could facilitate the delivery of evidence-based interventions and informed childhood-centered policy-making.

Prevalence of Positive Childhood Experiences and Associations with Current Anxiety, Depression, and Behavioral or Conduct Problems among U.S. Children Aged 6-17 Years

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) have substantial potential to improve children's mental health. We examined the prevalence of 26 specific PCEs, overall and by demographics, and the individual and cumulative effects of PCEs with current diagnosis of three mental health conditions using nationally representative, parent-reported data on U.S. children aged 6-17 years from the 2018-2019 National Survey of Children's Health (n=35,583). The prevalence of each PCE varied, with a range between 22.6% (gets recommended amount of physical activity) to 92.1% (parent(s) have positive mental health). Accounting for demographics, there were associations between most specific PCEs and lower prevalence of current childhood anxiety (22 of 26 PCEs), depression (22 of 26 PCEs), and behavioral or conduct problems (21 of 26 PCEs). There was a dose-response relationship between children in higher cumulative PCE quartiles and lower proportions of anxiety, depression, and behavioral or conduct problems. Findings generally did not attenuate after further adjusting for adverse childhood experiences. PCEs are common among U.S. children, but vary substantially by type of PCE and subpopulation. This has critical implications for focusing prevention and intervention strategies to bolster PCEs in ways that could improve health equity and children's mental health.

Do childhood experiences influence associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive autobiographical memories among military veteran students? An exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and features of positive autobiographical memories (accessibility, vividness, coherence, sharing, emotional intensity, distancing). There is a knowledge gap on how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) may influence these relationships.

OBJECTIVES

The current study explored whether the number ACEs or BCEs moderated associations between PTSD symptom severity and features of positive autobiographical memories.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The sample included 124 student military veterans who had experienced a trauma (Mage = 33.90; 77.4% male; 75.0% White).

RESULTS

Path analyses showed more PTSD symptom severity was significantly associated with less positive autobiographical memory vividness (β = -0.26, p = .019, R2 = 0.06). Further, the number of ACEs moderated the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and positive autobiographical memory accessibility (β = -0.25, p = .023, R2 = 0.10) and vividness (β = -0.20, p = .024, R2 = 0.10). Among individuals with more ACEs (1 SD above the mean) compared to those with fewer ACEs (1 SD below the mean), less accessibility and vividness of positive autobiographical memories was associated with greater PTSD symptom severity. The number of BCEs was not a significant moderator.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive memory-based interventions may be particularly useful to address PTSD symptoms among military veterans with a history of childhood adversity.

Predictors of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with depressive disorder: the role of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment

Purpose

This study analyzes the relationship of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder and whether they have predictive and diagnostic value for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder.

Patients and methods

A total of 225 patients with a diagnosis of adolescent depressive disorder were included in the study and were divided into two groups according to the DSM-5 criteria: 98 cases without NSSI and 127 cases with NSSI. Compare the demographic data, 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and Body Investment Scale (BIS) scores between two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors contributing to NSSI behaviors in adolescents with depression, and establish four predictive models. Based on the models' predictive probability, the ROC curves were plotted to calculate the value of the predictive diagnostic effect.

Results

The group without NSSI had lower scores than the group with NSSI on HAMD-24 total score, TAS-20 total score, difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally focused thinking, as well as lower scores on CTQ-SF total score, physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. In contrast, the BIS total score, body image feelings and attitudes, body care, and body protection factor scores were higher for the group without NSSI. The BIS body care factor score and the CTQ-SF emotional abuse factor score were significantly linked with adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder who exhibited NSSI behaviors. These results provide a good diagnostic model for adolescents with depressive disorder.

Conclusion

Low levels of body care and childhood emotional abuse may independently contribute to the implementation of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder. Body investment and childhood trauma are valuable in diagnosing and predicting NSSI behaviors and should be considered as potentially important factors in clinical treatment.

Enhancing the Focus: How Does Parental Incarceration Fit into the Overall Picture of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)?

Despite the five million children in the U.S. with an incarcerated parent, there is limited research on risk and protective factors for this population. We analyzed data from the National Survey for Children's Health (2018) to: (1) examine associations among parental incarceration and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), (2) characterize the association between parental incarceration and youth mental health outcomes, (3) examine differences in positive childhood experiences (PCEs; collective socialization, community engagement, neighborhood amenities, and family problem solving) by parental incarceration status, (4) examine whether PCEs were protective against mental health problems and if there was an interaction with parental incarceration status, and (5) examine the interaction between PCEs, parental incarceration, and ACEs on mental health problems. Results revealed that children with incarcerated parents had higher odds of experiencing other ACEs, higher odds of having mental health problems, and experienced fewer PCEs compared to children without incarcerated parents. Further, although PCEs were associated with a lower odds of mental health problems for both children with and without incarcerated parents, they did not mitigate the negative impact of parental incarceration on mental health outcomes. While PCEs attenuated the association between ACEs and mental health, parental incarceration status did not significantly moderate the interaction. These results highlight vulnerabilities and potential protective factors for children with incarcerated parents and have important implications for the development of multilevel intervention strategies that seek to promote resilience and reduce risk for this population.