Responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences: Understanding the Role of Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships in Reducing Alcohol and Tobacco Related Risk Behaviors

Abstract

Evidence shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a root cause of risk behaviors. Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships (SSNRs) can potentially moderate the health risks associated with ACEs. This study examines the relationships among SSNRs in childhood, ACEs, and two risk behaviors in adulthood (smoking tobacco and binge drinking). Data were obtained from the 2016 South Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The results show a significant decrease in odds of risk behaviors among individuals with ACEs when a SSNRs is present in childhood. This study suggests that programs and policies that promote resilience may reduce risk behaviors.

Keywords:

• Adverse childhood experiences
• alcohol abuse
• protective factors
• smoking
• tobacco

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mrs. Chelsea Richard at South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, Ms. Wilma Sims from the University of South Carolina’s Statistics Lab, and Mrs. Menolly Kaufmann from Ohio Health Sciences University for their assistance in reviewing this study’s methodology and findings.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation® [grant numbers 2015–16 and 2015–18]; and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s Fellowship for the Promotion of Child Well-Being.