AliceAnn Crandall1, Eliza Broadbent2, Melissa Stanfill3, Brianna M Magnusson4, M Lelinneth B Novilla5, Carl L Hanson6, Michael D Barnes7. 1. Brigham Young University, Department of Public Health, 4103 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT 84602 USA. Electronic address: ali_crandall@byu.edu. 2. Brigham Young University, Department of Public Health, 4103 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT 84602 USA. Electronic address: elizabroadbent@gmail.com. 3. Brigham Young University, Department of Public Health, 4103 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT 84602 USA. Electronic address: Melissastanfill18@gmail.com. 4. Brigham Young University, Department of Public Health, 4103 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT 84602 USA. Electronic address: Brianna_magnusson@byu.edu. 5. Brigham Young University, Department of Public Health, 4103 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT 84602 USA. Electronic address: Len_novilla@byu.edu. 6. Brigham Young University, Department of Public Health, 4103 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT 84602 USA. Electronic address: Carl_hanson@byu.edu. 7. Brigham Young University, Department of Public Health, 4103 Life Sciences Building, Provo, UT 84602 USA. Electronic address: Michael_barnes@byu.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research indicates that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to poorer adult health, but less is known how advantageous childhood experiences (counter-ACEs) may neutralize the negative effects of ACEs, particularly in young adulthood. PURPOSE: We examined the independent contributions of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Advantageous Childhood Experiences (counter-ACEs) that occur during adolescence on five young adult health indicators: depression, anxiety, risky sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and positive body image. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The sample included 489 adolescents from a large northwestern city in the United States who were 10-13 years at baseline (51 % female). METHODS: Flourishing Families Project survey data were used for this secondary analysis using structural equation modeling. Adolescents and their parents completed an annual survey. ACEs and counter-ACEs were measured over the first five years of the study. The five health indicators were measured in wave 10 when participants were 20-23 years old. RESULTS: Participants had on average 2.7 ACEs and 8.2 counter-ACEs. When both ACEs and counter-ACEs were included in the model, ACEs were not predictive of any of the health indicators and counter-ACEs were predictive of less risky sex (-.12, p < .05), substance abuse (-.12, p < .05), depression (-.11, p < .05), and a more positive body image (.15, p < .01). Higher ratios of counter-ACEs to ACEs had a particularly strong effect on improved young adult health. CONCLUSIONS: Counter-ACEs that occur in adolescence may diminish the negative effects of ACEs on young adult health and independently contribute to better health.
BACKGROUND: Research indicates that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to poorer adult health, but less is known how advantageous childhood experiences (counter-ACEs) may neutralize the negative effects of ACEs, particularly in young adulthood. PURPOSE: We examined the independent contributions of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Advantageous Childhood Experiences (counter-ACEs) that occur during adolescence on five young adult health indicators: depression, anxiety, risky sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and positive body image. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The sample included 489 adolescents from a large northwestern city in the United States who were 10-13 years at baseline (51 % female). METHODS: Flourishing Families Project survey data were used for this secondary analysis using structural equation modeling. Adolescents and their parents completed an annual survey. ACEs and counter-ACEs were measured over the first five years of the study. The five health indicators were measured in wave 10 when participants were 20-23 years old. RESULTS:Participants had on average 2.7 ACEs and 8.2 counter-ACEs. When both ACEs and counter-ACEs were included in the model, ACEs were not predictive of any of the health indicators and counter-ACEs were predictive of less risky sex (-.12, p < .05), substance abuse (-.12, p < .05), depression (-.11, p < .05), and a more positive body image (.15, p < .01). Higher ratios of counter-ACEs to ACEs had a particularly strong effect on improved young adult health. CONCLUSIONS: Counter-ACEs that occur in adolescence may diminish the negative effects of ACEs on young adult health and independently contribute to better health.