Citation
Norrington, Janette (2018). Racial/Ethnic Differences in Adverse Childhood Experiences, Risky Health Behaviours, and Perceived Social Support.
Population Association of America Annual Meeting. Denver, CO.
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with risky health behaviors in adulthood. While we know the relationship between ACEs and health behaviors, we know less about racial/ethnic differences in exposure to ACEs and how clusters of ACEs impact health behaviors. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, I examine racial/ethnic differences in adverse childhood experiences, eating disorders, substance use, and perceived social support. I found that African-American and Hispanic respondents reported more ACEs than their white counterparts, and that white respondents had more perceived social support than African-Americans. High ACE scores were associated with cigarette smoking, illegal drug use, binge eating, and dietary restraint. The impact of perceived social support varied by race and could not completely explain the association between ACEs and the risky health behaviors, so further research is warranted.
Reference Type
Conference proceeding
Book Title
Population Association of America Annual Meeting
Author(s)
Norrington, Janette
Year Published
2018
City of Publication
Denver, CO
Reference ID
6741