Maternal social support as a protective factor in the intergenerational cycle of adversity and pediatric pain:...

The impact of maternal adversity on children's physical health beyond early childhood, particularly pain outcomes, is largely unknown. Although preclinical studies suggest this link, no population-based cohort studies examined the association of maternal adversity and offspring pain outcomes or protective factors (e.g., social support).

To examine associations between maternal adversity and offspring pain outcomes, as well as a moderating role of maternal social support.

Existing data from mothers and their children participating in an existing Canadian longitudinal pregnancy cohort, All Our Families, were used. Data were collected between May 2008 and May 2023.

Mothers reported their history of adversity and levels of social support. Children reported their pain at ages 11 and 13 years.

Maternal sexual abuse experienced in childhood was associated with higher levels of children's pain interference at age 11 (b = 3.21 [1.05-5.36], p = .02). Maternal physical abuse in adulthood was associated with higher levels of children's pain interference at age 11 (b = 4.86 [1.84-7.89], p = .02) and age 13 (b = 3.87, [1.24-6.50], p = .04. Maternal social support moderated the effects of maternal physical abuse in adulthood on children's pain interference at age 11 (-5.85, [-9.76 to -1.95], p = .02). Maternal social support also moderated the effects of maternal financial abuse in adulthood on children's pain interference at age 11 (-9.28, [-15.1 to -3.45], p = .02).

The results highlight the importance of early screening of maternal adversity and interventions centering social support that may buffer against negative pediatric pain outcomes.