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The Direct and Indirect Influences of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Physical Health: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Yolanda Martín-Higarza

    (Institute of Legal Medicine, Government of the Principality of Asturias, 33001 Asturias, Spain)

  • Yolanda Fontanil

    (Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain)

  • María Dolores Méndez

    (Mental Health Services of the Principality of Asturias, 33201 Asturias, Spain)

  • Esteban Ezama

    (Mental Health Services of the Principality of Asturias, 33201 Asturias, Spain)

Abstract

A growing and significant body of research has documented the close relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and health outcomes in adults. Less is known about the complex pathways through which ACEs exert their influence. This article examines the direct relationship between the quality of perceived physical health and childhood adversities. The association between the adversities and the physical health with other psychological and social variables is also analyzed. Data were collected from a sample of 170 subjects, using tools to assess adverse childhood experiences, physical health-related quality of life, socioeconomic vulnerability, emotion regulation, coping strategies, attachment, and social support. Results showed a high frequency of ACEs among the adult population, and the correlation with poor physical health was highly significant. Regression equations to predict physical health also revealed the following as significant variables: wishful thinking, social withdrawal, and cognitive restructuring as coping styles; reappraisal to achieve emotion regulation; fear of rejection or abandonment, and desire for closeness in relation to attachment figures; hardship; and poor financial support. The relationship between the different forms of ACE and social vulnerability identifies the important indirect contribution of childhood adversity to health and socioeconomic conditions in adulthood.

Suggested Citation

  • Yolanda Martín-Higarza & Yolanda Fontanil & María Dolores Méndez & Esteban Ezama, 2020. "The Direct and Indirect Influences of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Physical Health: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8507-:d:446240
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rosana E Norman & Munkhtsetseg Byambaa & Rumna De & Alexander Butchart & James Scott & Theo Vos, 2012. "The Long-Term Health Consequences of Child Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(11), pages 1-31, November.
    2. Corso, P.S. & Edwards, V.J. & Fang, X. & Mercy, J.A., 2008. "Health-related quality of life among adults who experienced maltreatment during childhood," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(6), pages 1094-1100.
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    Cited by:

    1. María Dolores Méndez-Méndez & Yolanda Fontanil & Yolanda Martín-Higarza & Natalia Fernández-Álvarez & Esteban Ezama, 2021. "Configurations of Adult Attachment, Indicators of Mental Health and Adverse Childhood Experiences in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Sofie A. Jacobsen & Bo M. Bibby & Lisbeth Frostholm & Marie W. Petersen & Eva Ørnbøl & Signe U. Schovsbo & Thomas M. Dantoft & Tina B. W. Carstensen, 2022. "Development and Validation of the Weighted Index for Childhood Adverse Conditions (WICAC)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-21, October.

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