The Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Behavioral Outcomes

<p>This study intends to explore the intersection of two vulnerable populations, early childhood development and risks associated with exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This study examines how age plays a role in the long-term relationship between ACEs and internal and external behaviors. This study seeks to answer the question of: How does age influence the relationship between number of ACEs and internal and external behaviors? The participants in this study include those aged 0 – 16 from the National Survey of Child and adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) dataset. The NSCAW study consists of five waves of data where Wave I and V will be used for the analyses. This study used multiply analyses: simple linear regression, ANOVA, and moderation to answer the research question. There are three main variables used: age, ACEs, and internal and external behavior. Results showed that there was a dose-response relationship between ACEs total score and internal and external behaviors total score. Age does influence the relationship. Examination of an interaction plot indicated that the effects of adversities can be more detrimental to those who are younger in age. Targeted preventions and interventions are needed to help reduce exposure to adversities, reduce the long-term negative health impact, and provide mental health services to those who have experienced adversities.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2020

Author dc:creator

• Thomas, Jennifer

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elizabeth Anderson
• Nicholas Cutforth
• Elaine Belansky
• Jennifer Bellamy

• Adverse childhood experiences
• ANOVA
• Internal and external behavior
• Linear regression
• Moderation
• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Other Statistics and Probability
• Psychology
• Statistics and Probability

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1847

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-2847