Adverse childhood experiences: Non-medical trauma in the context of pediatric chronic illness

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their relationship with psychological distress among adolescents/young adults (AYAs) with and without pediatric chronic medical conditions (CMC).

Methods: A matched sample of AYAs with and without a CMC (n = 484, M_age = 19.48, 77.7% female) completed online measures of demographics, ACEs, and anxious/depressive symptoms.

Results: AYAs with a CMC were more likely to have experienced an ACE (p < 0.001). Both CMC status and ACEs related to increased distress (ps < 0.001). Moderation showed that ACEs had a stronger effect on depressive symptoms for those without a CMC (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: AYAs with a CMC and/or ACEs have increased risk for distress. Trauma-informed health care and assessment of childhood adversity may be important for early detection and intervention.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the participants and research assistants for their time and contributions to this study.

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest nor any grant funding to disclose

Additional information

Funding

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and all procedures were in compliance with APA ethical standards.