Is parental unemployment associated with increased risk of adverse childhood experiences? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Unemployment has adverse consequences for families and can put children at risk of harm. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of global evidence on associations between parental unemployment and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Methods Systematic literature searches across four databases identified cross-sectional, cohort or case–control studies measuring associations between parental employment and individual or cumulative ACEs in children. Available risk estimates were extracted and pooled odds ratios calculated using random-effects models. Results Of 60 included studies, 37 provided risk estimates suitable for pooling across seven ACE types. Paternal/any parental unemployment was associated with a 29% increased risk of sexual abuse, 54% increased risk of neglect, 60% increased risk of physical abuse and around 90% increased risk of child maltreatment and parental mental illness. No associations were found between maternal unemployment and ACEs. Pooling estimates from representative general population studies also identified increased risk of child maltreatment with paternal/any parental unemployment (82%) but not maternal unemployment. Conclusions Children who grow up with parental unemployment can be at increased risk of ACEs. A combination of socioeconomic measures to increase employment opportunities and parental support targeting fathers and mothers may help break multigenerational cycles of abuse and deprivation.

Parenting and Child Health: A Secondary Data Analysis of Perceived Influence of Abusive Parenting on Child’s Mental Health

“…Higher parental feelings of anxiety, a more grounded increment of parental pressure during the pandemic, having previous mental problems, and parental experience of kid abuse anticipated an expanded utilization of actual savagery against youngsters during the pandemic, (Geprägs, Bürgin, Fegert, Brähler, & Clemens, 2023). As per meta-analysis by Judd, Hughes, Bellis, Hardcastle, and Amos (2023), 37 of the 60 included studies' risk estimates were appropriate for pooling across seven ACE types. Fatherly/any parental joblessness was related with a 29% expanded hazard of sexual maltreatment, 54% expanded hazard of disregard, 60% expanded chance of actual maltreatment and around 90% expanded chance of youngster abuse and parental psychological sickness.…”

The Commercial Determinants of Violence: Identifying Opportunities for Violence Prevention through a Public Health-Based Framework Analysis

“…Employment can reduce the risks of some forms of violence [ 89 ] and, by providing job opportunities, commercial actors may support violence prevention. Employment may also reduce recidivism in offenders [ 90 ].…”

“…Fueling population migration with associated risks of violence through poor employment conditions, discrimination, and abuse Although others have recognized inherent risks in discussing the benefits of commerce (e.g., detracting attention from continuing harmful behaviors), most commercial entities are neither entirely good nor bad [4]. Employment has already been linked with lower levels of domestic violence and child abuse [89], although poor pay and working conditions may be linked with increases. In peace economics, international trade has been linked with reduced risks of conflict as a result of increased cooperation between countries [121].…”