Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Parenting Styles of African American Fathers
African American fathers may be more susceptible than fathers of other races to having a negative parenting style due to their high levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs are traumatic experiences during childhood that can affect a person’s mental and physical health, income and adult parenting style. African American adults tend to have experienced multiple levels of ACEs at a higher rate than White and Asian adults (Maguire-Jack et al., 2021). ACEs can lead to adults experiencing higher levels of alcoholism, depression, health-related issues, mental illness, substance use, and academic problems. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the connection between the number of ACEs experienced in childhood by African American fathers and their parenting styles. Participants were African American fathers from the Chicagoland area over the age of 21 years. Data collection involved demographic information, any ACEs experienced, and parenting style. Results showed African American fathers with high levels of ACEs exhibited negative parenting styles whereas those with low levels of ACEs exhibited more positive parenting styles. The results also showed fathers’ income and education affected their parenting styles, as fathers with a higher income and education had a more positive parenting style.
Counseling, Psychology, Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration, Sociology
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