Does Coping Mediate the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Outcomes in Young Adults?

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect 22–75% of American young adults. ACEs are associated with adverse health outcomes that begin in young adulthood. Yet, scant research has examined if coping can mediate the relationship between ACEs and adverse outcomes. The current study determined if coping mediates the relationship between ACEs and body mass index (BMI), substance use, and mental health outcomes in young adults. A community sample of 100 White and 100 Black young adults 18–34 years of age participated in a cross-sectional study conducted via Zoom conferencing. Participants provided demographic data, height/weight, and completed measures of ACEs, coping, substance use, and mental health outcomes. Coping was measured using an established three-factor model consisting of adaptive, support, and disengaged coping. Structural equation modeling (SEM) examined the relationships of ACEs to outcomes as mediated by coping. Participants were predominantly female ( n = 117; 58.5%) and mid-young adult ( M = 25.5 years; SD = 4.1). SEM results indicated good model fit: (CMIN/ df = 1.52, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.05 [90% CI = 0.03-0.07], SRMR = 0.06). Only disengaged coping mediated the ACE and substance use (β = 0.36, p = .008), smoking (β = 0.13, p = .004), and mental health (β=-0.26, p = .008) relationships. Disengaged coping styles may be a critical mechanism in developing adverse mental health and substance use outcomes among ACE-exposed individuals. Future ACE and health outcomes research should examine the role of coping. Interventions focusing on adaptive coping may improve the health of individuals exposed to ACEs.

The relationship between childhood adversity and sleep quality among rural older adults in China: the mediating role of anxiety and negative coping

“…Negative coping is usually positively associated with sleep disorders [ 29 , 30 ]. Coping style usually evolves over time and may be influenced by exposure to childhood adversity; for instance, people exposed to early adverse experiences show predominantly emotion-focused and avoidance coping styles, such as denial and disengagement [ 31 , 32 ]. In addition to childhood adversity, negative emotions or psychological states also can influence individuals’ coping strategies [ 33 ].…”

Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Young Adults and Adults: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Firstly, such a review can provide a comprehensive understanding of how ACEs during childhood can manifest in health outcomes and behaviours in adulthood, shedding light on the long-term consequences of early life adversity. By synthesising the existing literature on the relationship between ACEs and health outcomes in young adults, a systematic review can offer valuable insights into the mechanisms through which ACEs influence coping strategies and overall well-being [ 42 ]. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing targeted interventions to support individuals who have experienced ACEs and to prevent the negative outcomes associated with such experiences.…”