Children’s Mental Health: Living With Parents Who Had Adverse Childhood Experiences

Health Affairs December 1, 2024
Sandra L. Decker, Giacomo Meille, Xue Wu, Samuel H. Zuvekas

Abstract

In 2021, 42.8 percent of US children ages 5–17 lived with an adult who had at least four adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We found differences in exposure by race and ethnicity, income, and public versus private insurance status. Childhood exposure to adult ACEs was negatively correlated with child mental health, particularly among children in low-income and publicly insured families.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with reduced mental and physical health for adults,^1,2 which may affect parenting style and emotional availability.³ Previous studies found negative associations between parental ACEs and child outcomes,⁴ including higher rates of behavioral health problems,^5,6 mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety,⁷ worse health status and behaviors,⁸ and higher health care spending.⁹ In the...

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