Adverse childhood experiences, positive childhood experiences, and adult health

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the associations between positive childhood experiences and adult well-being, examining the moderating role of childhood social support in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult health outcomes. Method: Data were from the 2015 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The sample included 4,849 individuals ages ≥18 years who were asked about their ACEs, childhood social support, and a range of health outcomes. We used logistic regression and subgroup moderation tests to predict health outcomes. Results: Adults with high ACE scores and lower levels of childhood social support had worse health outcomes than those with low ACE scores and higher levels of childhood social support. In addition, adults with lower ACE scores and lower levels of childhood social support had worse health outcomes than the reference group, indicating that inadequate childhood social support itself may contribute to negative health outcomes in later life. Conclusions: Both ACEs and childhood social support were independently associated with adult health problems, and the combination of high levels of ACEs and low childhood social support was the most significant predictor of adverse health outcomes in adulthood, controlling for adult sociodemographic indicators. Building and enhancing supportive relationships in childhood may buffer the negative effects of early adversities on adult well-being.