Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health-Risk Behaviors in Vulnerable Early Adolescents Journal of Early Adolescence

• NCJ Number: 252534
• Journal: Journal of Early Adolescence Volume: 38 Issue: 5 Dated: 2018 Pages: 661-680
• Author(s): Edward F. Garrido; Lindsey M. Weiler; Heather N. Taussig
• Date Published: 2018
• Length: 20 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2012-DJ-14-003226
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Publication Format: Article; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Since adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with health-risk behaviors in general samples of adults and adolescents, this study examined the association between ACEs and these behaviors among a high-risk sample of early adolescents.

Abstract

The study interviewed 515 children (ages 9 to 11) who were placed in foster care due to maltreatment. Interviews focused on their engagement in violence, substance use, and delinquency. A multi-informant ACEs score was derived based on exposure to six adverse experiences. Regression analyses examined the relationship between ACEs and risk behaviors and the potential moderating effects of age, sex, and minority status. ACE scores were predictive of risk behaviors after controlling for age, sex, and minority status. Although males and older youth were more likely to engage in risk behaviors, none of the demographic characteristics moderated the ACE-risk behavior association. This study extends previous research by demonstrating an association between ACEs and risk behaviors in extremely vulnerable early adolescents. (publisher abstract modified)