Adverse Childhood Experiences, Substance Use, and Poor Mental Health Among the U.S. Adult Population-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Substance Use, and Poor Mental Health Among the U.S. Adult Population

Published:2024-07-01 Issue:3 Volume:46 Page:259-280
ISSN:1040-2861
Container-title:Journal of Mental Health Counseling
language:en
Short-container-title:

Author:

Mugoya George C. T.¹^ORCID,Muchiri Steve M.²,Ogongi Wanja³,Gitau Mary⁴,Mkuu Rahma⁵,Cook Ryan¹,Lu Yu⁶

Affiliation:

1. 1Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology and Counseling, University of Alabama

2. 2Department of Economics and Finance, Eastern Connecticut State University

3. 3School of Social Work, Millersville University

4. 4College of Social Work, University of Tennessee

5. 5Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida

6. 6Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to various lifelong negative outcomes. However, there is little counseling literature on the effects of ACEs on adult mental health. Utilizing the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System dataset, we examined individual ACEs and cumulative ACEs scores to quantify the relationship between ACEs and behavioral and mental health outcomes. Findings showed that 60.9% of the participants experienced at least one ACE, with nearly 1 in 6 participants reporting four or more ACEs. Childhood emotional abuse was the most prevalent form of ACE reported. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusting for sociodemographic covariates showed that reporting any of the ACEs was significantly associated with heavy alcohol use, marijuana use, and poor mental health. Furthermore, a graded dose-response relationship was found between cumulative ACEs scores and outcome variables. The findings highlight the importance of consciously screening and considering ACEs to better assist clients with presenting behavioral and mental health issues.

Publisher

American Mental Health Counselors Association

Link

https://meridian.allenpress.com/jmhc/article-pdf/46/3/259/3393713/i2163-5749-46-3-259.pdf

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