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Self-Reported Adverse Childhood Experiences and Risk for Internalizing and Externalizing Difficulties among
Gregory C Smith1, Megan Dolbin-MacNab2, Frank J Infurna3
1Kent State University.
Journal of Child and Family Studies
|August 26, 2024
Summary
Custodial grandchildren (CG) frequently experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), with many reporting multiple types. Peer bullying significantly predicts internalizing difficulties, while emotional abuse and neighborhood violence predict externalizing difficulties in CG.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Social Work
Background:
- Custodial grandchildren (CG) often have histories of trauma and are at risk for psychological difficulties.
- Limited research exists on the prevalence, types, and impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in CG.
- Understanding ACEs in CG is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the frequencies and types of self-reported ACEs among custodial grandchildren (CG).
- To identify specific ACEs that predict risk for internalizing (ID) and externalizing (ED) difficulties in CG.
- To explore the relationship between different ACEs and psychological difficulties in this population.
Main Methods:
- Online surveys administered to 342 CG (ages 12-18) participating in a social intelligence training program.
- ACEs assessed using 14 widely used items; risk for ID and ED measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
- Classification and regression tree analyses used to identify predictors of ID and ED risk.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of CG reported at least one ACE; 48.6% reported 2-5 ACEs, and 30.5% reported 6 or more.
- Peer bullying strongly predicted ID risk, irrespective of ED risk.
- ED risk was highest among CG with ID risk, emotional abuse, and exposure to neighborhood violence, challenging a simple cumulative ACEs dose-response model.
Conclusions:
- Custodial grandchildren exhibit alarmingly high rates of ACEs compared to the general population.
- Specific ACEs, such as peer bullying and emotional abuse, are significant predictors of psychological difficulties in CG.
- Findings highlight the urgent need for trauma-informed care and support services for custodial grandchildren.
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