Assessing Childhood Discrimination as Adverse Childhood Experiences Retrospectively in a Sample of Racially and Ethnically Diverse and LGBTQ+ 18-25 Year-Olds

Presenter

Elizabeth Ann Powers

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Maria M. Galano, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A87, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 5 (A81-A100) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research examines relationships between adult outcomes and childhood abuse, neglect, and household challenges, providing insight into factors that influence development. This study addresses a gap in ACEs research which has historically excluded childhood discrimination. We answer two questions: 1) How can we study the prevalence of discrimination as an ACE using existing and reliable measures of discrimination toward people with diverse sexualities, racial, ethnic, and gender identities? and 2) What are the effects of childhood discrimination on mental health and substance use among young adults, accounting for the effects of more typically-assessed ACEs? The sample (N=164) included 18-25 year-olds who identified as sexual/gender minorities (N=108) or as US racial/ethnic minorities (N=102). Participants completed an anonymous Qualtrics survey assessing sexual/gender minority ACEs (SGM ACEs), racial/ethnic minority ACEs (REM ACEs), current discrimination, traditional ACEs, and current severity of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. Results indicated statistically significant, moderate positive correlations between SGM ACEs and depression (r  = .38, p < .01), SGM ACEs and anxiety (r  = .40, p < .01), and REM ACEs and anxiety (r  = .37, p < .01). Scores also reflected a statistically significant, weak positive correlation between REM ACEs and depression (r  = .25, p < .05). There were no statistically significant correlations between SGM ACEs, REM ACEs, and substance misuse. This research is important because childhood adversity isn’t limited to interpersonal relationships, but also larger cultural, systemic, and political influences. Measuring childhood discrimination allows future researchers to better understand related health inequities. 

Keywords

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Identity-Based Discrimination, Adult Mental Health

Research Area

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

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