Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is Related to Poor Self-Reported Interoceptive Accuracy

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Adverse childhood events (ACEs) and poor interoception are independently linked to anxiety and depression.
• The relationship between ACEs and interoception remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ACEs and interoception.
• To characterize how childhood trauma influences the ability to perceive internal bodily signals.

Main Methods:

• Two independent studies (N=160, N=814) utilized self-report measures for ACEs (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire).
• Interoception was assessed via self-reported confidence in accuracy (Interoceptive Accuracy Scale) and attention to bodily signals (Body Perception Questionnaire).

Main Results:

• Higher emotional and physical neglect (ACEs) were significantly associated with lower self-reported confidence in interoceptive accuracy in both studies.
• Emotional neglect was also linked to reduced interoceptive attention in one study.
• Findings held after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and current stress.

Conclusions:

• A relationship exists between specific ACEs and diminished confidence in interoceptive accuracy.
• Poor self-reported interoceptive accuracy may represent a mechanism linking childhood trauma to adverse mental health outcomes.