Adverse childhood experiences and adult psychopathology: A latent class analysis approach

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to poor mental health outcomes, yet much of the existing research focuses on cumulative risk rather than the impact of distinct types of adversity. This limits insights into how specific ACE patterns influence psychopathology. Additionally, inquiries into links between ACE exposure and mental health typically focus on a single symptom class, overlooking co-occurring psychopathologies.

We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify distinct patterns of ACE exposure and examine associations with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a treatment-seeking adult sample.

Participants were 514 adults (71 % female) aged 18-85 (M = 26.25, SD = 8.68) seeking psychological treatment. Data were collected at a public psychology clinic using self-report measures.

LCA identified three classes of ACE exposure: low adversity, maltreatment (emotional/physical abuse and neglect), and household dysfunction (parental mental illness, separation). Psychopathology symptoms were assessed using the DASS-21, PCL-5, and ASRS. Associations between ACE classes and psychopathologies were analyzed using the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars (BCH) three-step approach.

The maltreatment class showed significantly higher depression and PTSD symptoms than the low adversity class. The household dysfunction class exhibited elevated ADHD symptoms compared to both maltreatment and low adversity classes. No significant differences in anxiety were observed after controlling for covariates.

Distinct ACE patterns were linked to specific psychopathology symptoms. Findings highlight the importance of incorporating person-centered approaches to analyzing childhood adversity, which can inform targeted prevention and treatment strategies.