Mercy Manyema
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Title: Stress begets stress: The association between adverse childhood experiences with psychological distress in the presence of adult life stress
Biography
Biography: Mercy Manyema
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have emerged as a significant public health problem in the past two decades, and are highly prevalent in high income countries. Literature suggests an increased risk of mental health problems in those who experience childhood adversity. The objectives of this study were to describe the distribution of retrospectively reported ACEs in a cohort of young adults and investigate the association between ACEs and psychological distress. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Data from the Birth to Twenty Cohort Plus were used to determine the prevalence of ACEs (retrospectively measured) and of psychological distress in young adults aged 22 years. Hierarchical regression was employed to determine the association between the two and the role of adult stress events in the relationship. Findings: 88% of the sample (n=1223) reported at least one ACE before the age of 18 years while 28% reported psychological distress. Compared to experiencing no ACEs, having 4 or more ACEs increased the risk of psychological distress five times, OR 5.45 (95% CI 3.10-9.57). The effect of ACEs attenuated after the addition of adult stress to the model signifying possible mediation of the association between ACEs and PD through adult stressors. Conclusion & Significance: Adverse childhood experiences are high in the cohort and are positively associated with psychological distress in young adulthood. Adult life stress may moderate the link between ACEs and psychological distress. Interventions to reduce the burden of poor mental health may need to not only address adult life stress but also the experience of childhood adversity.