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Fathers' adverse childhood experiences and children's behavior problems
Natalie Grafft1, Stephanie Armbruster2, Rebekah Levine Coley3
1School of Social Work Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Fathers' adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to increased child behavior problems, partly due to fathers' depression. Screening fathers for ACEs and mental health is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Mental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) negatively impact child development across generations.
- Research on fathers' ACEs and child outcomes is limited compared to mothers'.
- Understanding fathers' ACEs is crucial for intergenerational well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine associations between fathers' home- and community-based ACEs and child behavior problems.
- To determine the mediating role of fathers' depressive symptoms in this relationship.
- To provide evidence for targeted interventions and screening.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 893 fathers with children aged 1-6 years.
- Use of log-binomial models to assess ACEs and behavior problem links.
- Mediation analysis to quantify indirect effects through fathers' depression.
Main Results:
- Fathers' ACEs (home and community-based) significantly increased the likelihood of child behavior problems.
- Each additional ACE in fathers was associated with a higher risk for child behavioral issues.
- Fathers' depressive symptoms partially mediated the association between fathers' ACEs and child behavior problems.
Conclusions:
- Fathers' ACEs represent a risk factor for children's behavioral problems.
- Interventions addressing fathers' mental health, particularly depression, may mitigate these risks.
- Screening for fathers' ACEs and mental health in pediatric settings is warranted.
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