Incorporating Childhood Identity-Based Discrimination into the Adverse Childhood Experiences Framework

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are prevalent stressors that can have lasting negative impacts on well-being. However, ACEs research has historically excluded childhood discrimination, which is an important contributor to health disparities. The goal of this study was to identify the frequency of discrimination-related ACEs in childhood and examine their effects on young adult mental health, accounting for other ACEs. This study recruited 160 18-25-year-olds who identified as members of US racial or ethnic minority groups (n = 99), as members of the LGBTQIA+ community (n = 107), or as both (n = 46). Participants were recruited to complete an online survey both through a subject pool enrolled in college-level Psychology courses as well as through community and online flyering in the Northeast US. The anonymous survey assessed history of Sexual and Gender Minority ACEs (SGM-ACEs), Racial and Ethnic Minority ACEs (REM-ACEs), traditionally assessed ACEs, and current depression and anxiety. In several models, the inclusion of SGM-ACEs alongside traditionally assessed ACEs explained significant variance in outcomes. Results demonstrated that experiencing more SGM-ACEs uniquely predicted higher anxiety (b = 1.39, SE = 0.39, β = 0.40, p < 0.001) as well as depression (b = 1.69, SE = 0.47, β = 0.41, p < 0.001), accounting for the effects of traditionally assessed ACEs and socioeconomic status. REM-ACEs were not uniquely associated with mental health. These findings highlight how larger cultural, systemic, and political influences need to be better accounted for in ACEs measures and can contribute to long-term adjustment.