Positive childhood experiences and adverse experiences: Psychometric properties of the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale (BCEs) among the Portuguese population

Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences among adults in the United Kingdom: a latent class analysis

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are important factors for population mental and physical health. While considerable public health literature demonstrates the global relevance of ACEs, more recent research shows that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) might be important to consider in their direct and mitigating roles for psychological distress and other mental health outcomes. There is little evidence of latent class examinations involving both ACEs and BCEs among adults in western nations. The present study sought to replicate and extend prior literature by: (1) assessing the extent to which past latent class groupings reproduce in present samples, and (2) analyzing the association of latent classes of childhood experiences with psychological distress and suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs). We examined psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, general wellbeing) and STBs (i.e., suicidal ideation, self-harm ideation and behaviour, entrapment, and defeat).

METHOD

Data were drawn from two nationwide cross-sectional online survey studies in the United Kingdom. The first sample (N = 488) was drawn from a study on suicidal behaviour, and the second sample (N = 447) was from a study concerning risk for interpersonal violence.

RESULTS

Results largely replicated an existing four class solution of childhood experiences: Class 1 (Moderate ACEs/High BCEs; 17.6%), Class 2 (High ACEs/Moderate BCEs; 15.3%), Class 3 (Low ACEs/High BCEs; 48.3%), and Class 4 (Low ACEs/Moderate BCEs; 18.8%). Class 2 (High ACEs/Moderate BCEs) was associated with consistently worse psychological distress and STBs. Classes containing high BCEs (1 and 3) were characterized by generally lower levels of psychological distress and STBs.

CONCLUSIONS

Results affirm the potential value for jointly considering ACEs and BCEs to understand psychological distress and STBs. ACEs and BCEs may serve foundational roles in theories of suicide. The protective role of BCEs hypothesized in resiliency theory may be supported. Prevention practice and research implications are discussed.

Adverse childhood experiences and aggression in adulthood: The moderating role of positive childhood experiences

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a significant impact on a person's psychological development and predispose them to various harmful consequences in adulthood, such as different forms of aggression. Contrarily, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) operate as protective factors, buffering against the adverse effects of ACEs and promoting adaptive behaviors and psychological well-being. However, the role of PCEs in the relationship between ACEs and aggression remains relatively unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the moderation role of PCEs in the relationship between ACEs and aggression and its different components across sexes in a community sample.

METHODS

A sample of 1541 Portuguese adults answered an online protocol with a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, the Childhood History Questionnaire, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire.

RESULTS

ACEs were positively correlated with aggression, including physical and verbal aggression, anger, and hostility, with women reporting a higher prevalence of ACEs and higher levels of anger. Men revealed higher scores in physical and verbal aggression. Furthermore, moderation analyses clarified the moderating effect of PCEs on the relationship between ACEs and aggression in women and between ACEs and anger in both sexes. PCEs attenuate the adverse impact of ACEs, reducing aggression and anger levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study stresses the complex interplay between childhood experiences and adult aggression, highlighting the differential effects of ACEs and PCEs across men and women. By clarifying these dynamics, interventions can be tailored to bolster protective factors like PCEs. This will ultimately foster healthier developmental trajectories and reduce the prevalence of aggression in adulthood.

Multisystemic factors predicting street migration of children in Kenya: A multilevel longitudinal study of families and villages

BACKGROUND

Street-migration of children is a global problem with sparse multi-level or longitudinal data. Such data are required to inform robust street-migration prevention efforts.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzes longitudinal cohort data to identify factors predicting street-migration of children - at caregiver- and village-levels.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Kenyan adult respondents (n = 575; 20 villages) actively participated in a community-based intervention, seeking to improve factors previously identified as contributing to street-migration by children.

METHODS

At two time points, respondents reported street-migration of children, and variables across economic, social, psychological, mental, parenting, and childhood experience domains. Primary study outcome was newly reported street-migration of children at T2 "incident street-migration", compared to households that reported no street-migration at T1 or T2. For caregiver-level analyses, we assessed bivariate significance between variables (T1) and incident street-migration. Variables with significant bivariate associations were included in a hierarchical logistical regression model. For community-level analyses, we calculated the average values of variables at the village-level, after excluding values from respondents who indicated an incident street-migration case to reduce potential outlier influence. We then compared variables between the 5 villages with the highest incidence to the 15 villages with fewer incident cases.

RESULTS

In regression analyses, caregiver childhood experiences, psychological factors and parenting behaviors predicted future street-migration. Lower village-aggregated depression and higher village-aggregated collective efficacy and social curiosity appeared significantly protective.

CONCLUSIONS

While parenting and economic strengthening approaches may be helpful, efforts to prevent street migration by children should also strengthen community-level mental health, collective efficacy, and communal harmony.

Positive and adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes of children

OBJECTIVE

Researchers and policymakers have identified adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction as a contributing factor to poor mental health outcomes for children. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) like open family communication styles, having the ability to live and play in a safe, stable, and protective environment, having constructive opportunities for social engagement, and receiving mentorship from adults have been found to improve the mental health of children.

PURPOSE

This paper explores the role of ACEs and PCEs on the mental health outcomes of children.

METHOD

A sample of 22,628 children ages 6-17 from the National Survey of Children's Health (2017-2020) was used to explore the relationship between PCEs and ACEs and the mental health of children. Logistic regression analysis is used to model the effect of PCEs and ACEs on the odds of child mental health diagnoses.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that with each additional ACE, there was a significant increase in the odds of reporting a MH condition (OR = 1.25, 95 % CI 1.09-1.43). Conversely, with each additional PCE, there is a significant decrease in the odds or reporting a MH condition (OR = 0.76, 95 % CI 0.68-0.84). There was also evidence that PCEs moderate the relationship between ACEs and reports of mental health conditions. When counts of ACEs are low, PCEs provide a protective effect on reports of mental health. But when the count of ACEs are high, children with higher numbers of PCEs have similar reports of mental health conditions.

SUMMARY

This study provides information about the moderating effect of PCEs on the relationship between ACEs and child mental health diagnosis with the goal of informing policies and interventions focused on ameliorating the growing crisis of children's negative mental health and well-being. WHAT IS KNOWN?: Adverse childhood events (ACEs) like abuse, neglect and household dysfunction are known to negatively impact the mental health and well-being of children. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs), on the other hand, can positively influence the mental health and well-being of children. WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE ADD?: This study examines the association between adverse and positive childhood experiences to understand how they impact the mental health outcomes of children ages 6-17. Findings indicate that when ACEs are lower, the impact of PCEs are positive, but when ACEs are higher, PCEs do not make much difference in reports of mental health problems.

Workplace trauma and professional quality of Life in clinical and forensic psychiatry: the CRITIC study

Background

Frontline staff in psychiatry need to perform at a very high professional level in order to ensure patient and community safety. At the same time they are exposed to high levels of stress and workplace trauma. This may have severe consequences for their professional quality of life. In addition, health care workers in general have higher incidence levels of childhood adversity than the general population. The CRITIC (CRITical Incidents and aggression in Caregivers) Study aims to improve increased understanding of the interaction between personal life history (childhood adversity and benevolence), individual capabilities, exposure to trauma and violence at work and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL).

Method

The Critic Study is a cross-sectional survey of these aspects in frontline, treatment and administrative staff in clinical and forensic psychiatry. We aim to include 360 participants. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires on childhood adversity and childhood benevolence (assessing personal life history), professional quality of life, current trauma and violence exposure, current mental health (depression, anxiety and stress), coping, social support, work engagement and resilience. In this study we will examine the moderating role of adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in the association between workplace trauma exposure and professional quality of life. Finally, a theoretical model on the relationships between trauma, stress and coping in the context of professional functioning will be tested using structural equation modelling.

Discussion

The CRITIC study examines which factors influence the complex relationship between childhood adversity and benevolence, and ProQOL in healthcare workers. It also aims to provide insight into the complex relationship between personal life history, individual characteristics, exposure to trauma and violence at work and ProQOL. The results can be used for designing interventions to increase resilience to trauma and to improve professional quality of life among health care professionals.

Trial registration

The CRITIC study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Erasmus Medical Centre, under trial registration number NL73417.078.20.

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Relationship with Empathy and Alexithymia

Several studies showed that adults who have experienced childhood adversity are more likely to develop alexithymia and low empathy. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the relationship between childhood adversity and alexithymia and empathy in adulthood and verify a predictive explanatory model of alexithymia. The sample comprised 92 adults who responded to the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Childhood History Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and the Alexithymia Scale of Toronto. Childhood adversity showed a positive relationship with alexithymia and a negative relationship with empathy. Predictive validity showed that marital status, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and empathic concern predicted higher alexithymia scores. These results show the impact of these childhood experiences on adult life, underlining the importance of developing intervention programs in this field.

The impact of imprisonment on individuals' mental health and society reintegration: study protocol

BACKGROUND

Prison sentences are a particular type of penalty that aim to reintegrate individuals into society. Nonetheless, research suggests that prison sentences have a null or a criminogenic effect on recidivism and a critical impact on inmates' mental health, negatively interfering with their successful reintegration into society and recidivism. Prevalence rates of mental health disorders among individuals who commit crimes are high, but little is known about how incarceration perpetuates and/or worsens mental health symptoms. In the Portuguese context, no studies focused on understanding the impact of imprisonment on prisoners' mental health. Thus, this project aims to understand incarceration's mental health and well-being impact on male and female individuals convicted to prison, both while incarcerated and after release.

METHODS

The study will follow a quantitative cross-sectional design of male and female individuals in prison and parole, aiming to assess different samples at different moments of the prison sentence. It will also follow a longitudinal design in a subsample of male and female individuals sentenced to prison and on parole who will be followed for one year.

DISCUSSION

This study intends to have a meaningful impact on the understanding of imprisonment effects, giving important clues for developing and implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies to address prisoners' and ex-prisoners' mental health and improve their ability to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.

Positive Childhood Experiences and Chronic Pain Among Children and Adolescents in the United States

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are associated with better mental and physical health outcomes and moderate the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, knowledge of the associations between PCEs and childhood chronic pain is limited. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2019 to 2020 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) to evaluate associations between PCEs and childhood chronic pain. Parents of 47,514 children ages 6 to 17 years old reported on their child's exposure to 7 PCEs and 9 ACEs. Associations between PCEs and chronic pain were evaluated using weighted, multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic factors. We found that PCEs had dose-dependent associations with pediatric chronic pain; children exposed to higher numbers of PCEs (5-7 PCEs) had the lowest reported rate of chronic pain (7.1%), while children exposed to 2 or fewer PCEs had the highest rate of chronic pain (14.7%). The adjusted analysis confirmed that children experiencing 5 to 7 PCEs had significantly lower odds of chronic pain relative to children experiencing 0 to 2 PCEs (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): .47, 95% confidence interval (CI): .39-.61, P < .0001). PCEs moderated associations between ACEs and chronic pain: among children reporting 2 or more ACEs, those reporting 5 to 7 PCEs were significantly less likely to report chronic pain as compared to children only reporting 0 to 2 PCEs (aOR: .64, 95%CI: .45-.89, P = .009). In conclusion, children with greater PCEs exposure had lower prevalence rates of chronic pain. Furthermore, PCEs was associated with reduced prevalence of chronic pain among children exposed to ACEs. PERSPECTIVE: This article estimates associations between survey-measured PCEs and pediatric chronic pain among children in the United States. Promoting PCEs could improve pediatric pain outcomes.

Positive childhood experiences on flourishing mediated by meaning in life in Chinese undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To examine the associations of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) with positive mental well-being (i.e. meaning in life and flourishing) in Chinese undergraduate nursing students. The mediation effect of meaning in life on the association between PCEs and flourishing was investigated.

BACKGROUND

Mental health problems, such as high stress, have been prevalent in nursing students. Less is known about positive well-being that could be independent of mental health problems.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study in Chinese nursing students of age ≥ 18 years enrolled in either three-year associate degree or four-year bachelor's degree program at 25 different universities across mainland China.

METHODS

PCEs were measured using the 10-item Benevolent Childhood Experiences scale on perceived relational and internal safety and security, positive and predictable quality of life, and interpersonal support by age 18. Measures of positive mental well-being included the Secure Flourish Index on flourishing and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire on presence of meaning and searching for meaning. Associations were analyzed using multivariable linear regression adjusting for perceived stress.

RESULTS

Of 2105 participants, 87.7% were female, the mean [SD] age was 19.8 [1.6] years. More PCEs were associated with higher flourishing (adjusted b=6.82, 95% CI 6.23, 7.41, β = 0.44), presence of meaning (adjusted b=0.91, 95% CI 0.75, 1.06, β = 0.24), and searching for meaning (adjusted b=0.67, 95% CI 0.49, 0.84, β = 0.17). Presence of meaning (indirect effect: adjusted b=1.57, 95% CI 1.27, 1.89) and searching for meaning (indirect effect: adjusted b=0.84, 95% CI 0.60, 1.08) partially mediated 23% and 12% of the association between PCEs and flourishing, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PCEs showed dose-response associations with meaning in life and flourishing in Chinese undergraduate nursing students, and the associations remained independent of perceived stress. The association between PCEs and flourishing was mediated through meaning in life. Higher meaning of life and flourishing associated with more PCEs highlighted the importance of increasing awareness and early screening of PCEs in nursing schools. The mediation effects of meaning in life warranted targeted interventions for helping students with fewer PCEs to flourish.

Development and initial validation of a short form of the Memories of Home and Family Scale

The Memories of Home and Family Scale (MHFS; Shevlin et al., 2022) was developed as a multidimensional measure of subjective memories of experiences at home and with family during childhood. Due to the length of the scale, a short version of the MHFS (MHFS-SF) has been developed. Data were from Wave 7 of the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium Study (C19PRC-UK), a population based UK survey (N = 1405). Two items with the highest factor loadings from each of the six dimensions of the original MHFS were selected for inclusion. Confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) models were estimated to test the dimensionality of the scale. Convergent and discriminant validity were tested by examining associations with criterion variables. CFA results supported the multidimensionality of the scale. MHFS-SF total and sub-scale scores were negatively correlated with measures of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and paranoia, and were positively correlated with wellbeing. Regression analyses revealed that MHFS-SF total and sub-scale scores significantly predicted loneliness, paranoia, and wellbeing, even after accounting for age, gender, and current internalising symptoms. Results from this study suggest that the MHFS-SF scores retain the excellent psychometric properties of the original scale while improving efficiency. The MHFS-SF demonstrated high levels of convergent and discriminant validity with mental health and wellbeing measures. Future research should seek to validate the MHFS-SF in different populations and assess its usefulness in clinical settings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42844-023-00097-x.

Relationships Among Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences, Emotion Dysregulation, and Psychopathology Symptoms

This cross-sectional study sought to examine adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), and emotion dysregulation as they relate to psychopathology symptoms (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety, depression) in university students in emerging adulthood. Students at a United States university (N = 1,498) completed an online survey during the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. Measures include the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, Patient Health Questionnaire 8, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Scale. ACEs significantly related to greater symptoms and positive screens for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. BCEs significantly related to fewer symptoms and positive screens for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Emotion dysregulation was a significant mediator of relationships between ACEs and all symptom types (direct and indirect effects were both significant, supporting partial mediation). Emotion dysregulation was a significant partial mediator of relationships between BCEs and all symptom types (direct and indirect effects were both significant, supporting partial mediation). Results showed significant small moderation effects of BCEs on the relationships of ACEs-emotion dysregulation, ACEs-depression symptoms, ACEs-anxiety symptoms, and emotion dysregulation-PTSD symptoms. Implications for colleges and universities are discussed.

Prevalence and predictors of benevolent childhood experiences among a representative sample of young people

Emerging research evidence suggests that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) may partly explain more favourable mental health outcomes among individuals affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, much of this research has focused on adult populations. Consequently, this study sought to provide the first rigorous assessment of the prevalence and predictors of BCEs using a nationally representative sample of young people from Northern Ireland (NI). Participants were 11-19-years-olds (N = 1293) who participated in the NI Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey (NI-YWS, 2020). Prevalence rates, gender differences and predictors of BCEs were investigated. Results revealed how most of the sample experienced multiple BCEs (95%, n = 1084), with females reporting higher levels of BCEs. Significant positive predictors of BCEs were female gender, parental education, living with both biological parents, and living in areas with lower deprivation, while significant negative predictors of BCEs included family being in receipt of social welfare and older age. Overall, this study highlights how BCEs are common, while the identification of factors associated with likelihood of having positive experiences during early development provides novel insights into those young people who may be at greater risk for maladaptive psychological outcomes.

The role of positive childhood experiences in the link between childhood maltreatment and affective lability in a sample of incarcerated men and women

BACKGROUND

Individuals with a history of child maltreatment (CM) tend to show high affective lability (AL) and criminal behavior. However, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may act as a protective factor even in the presence of child maltreatment.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between CM, PCEs, and AL in adulthood, identify the predictors of AL and analyze the moderating role of PCEs in the relationship between CM and AL in a sample of 424 incarcerated men (n = 343) and women (n = 81), aged between 18 and 73 years (M = 37.88).

METHODS

Participants responded to an online protocol consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale (BCEs), and the Affective Lability Scale - Short Version (ALS-18).

RESULTS

CM was positively associated with AL and negatively associated with PCEs, and PCEs are negatively associated with AL. Regression analyses, after controlling for age, sex, and education, confirmed the role of PCEs on AL, above and beyond CM. However, moderation analysis showed that PCEs did not moderate the relationship between CM and AL for either men or women.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the complexity of human development and behavior from early childhood into adulthood. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of PCEs in the relationship between ACEs and AL among inmates in order to develop more appropriate prevention and intervention programs.

Latent Classes of Adverse and Benevolent Childhood Experiences in a Multinational Sample of Parents and Their Relation to Parent, Child, and Family Functioning during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are known to contribute to later mental health. Conversely, Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCEs) may buffer against mental health difficulties. The importance of ACEs and BCEs for mental health of both parents and children may be most obvious during periods of stress, with potential consequences for functioning of the family. Subgroups of ACEs and BCEs in parents during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated and validated in relation to indices of parent, child, and family well-being. In May 2020, ACEs/BCEs were assessed in 547 parents of 5-18-year-old children from the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Australia. Subgroups of parents with varying levels of ACEs and BCEs were identified via latent class analysis. The subgroups were validated by examining associations between class membership and indices of parent and child mental health and family well-being. Four latent classes were identified: low-ACEs/high-BCEs, moderate-ACEs/high-BCEs, moderate-ACEs/low-BCEs, and high-ACEs/moderate-BCEs. Regardless of the extent of BCEs, there was an increased risk of parent and child mental health difficulties and family dysfunction among those reporting moderate-to-high levels of ACEs. Parents' history of adversity may influence the mental health of their family. These findings highlight the importance of public health interventions for preventing early-life adversity.

Measuring positive memories of home and family during childhood: The development and initial validation of the 'Memories of Home and Family Scale'

There is a burgeoning evidence base highlighting the positive influence of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), even in the context of adversity. However, few measures are available to assess BCEs. The current study sought to develop and validate a measure which assesses positive recollections of experiences and emotions at home and with family during childhood called the 'Memories of Home and Family Scale'(MHFS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to test the latent structure of the preliminary MHFS item scores in a sample of university students from the United Kingdom (N = 624). Following selection of the best-fitting model and final items for inclusion in the scale, total and subscale scores were correlated with a range of mental health outcomes. CFA results indicated that the latent structure of the MHFS items was best represented by a correlated six-factor first-order model. The final MHFS demonstrated high levels of internal reliability and convergent validity.