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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and health-risk behaviors among Latino adolescents: A pilot study of potential hormonal mediators and social support moderators

Zhen-Duan, Jenny
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5870-2617
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1571833536451152

Abstract Details

2019, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Psychology.
The prevention of health-risk behaviors during adolescence has been regarded as a nationwide health priority because these are causally associated with chronic illness, disability, and other leading causes of death among adolescents and adults in the U.S. (Kann et al., 2016). To this end, a growing body of research supports a strong link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and health-risk behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use, criminality, self-injury, perpetration of interpersonal violence, and self-injurious behavior (Duke et al., 2009; Layne et al., 2014). However, the behavioral and physiological consequences of being exposed to ACEs have been strikingly understudied among Latino youth. To address the gap in the literature, the purpose of this study was to investigate several mediating (i.e., adrenocortical hormones) and moderating (i.e., family cohesion, community support and social support) variables in the relation between ACEs and health-risk behaviors among Latino youth. Latino youth (N = 72) were recruited from schools and their communities and asked to provide saliva samples and complete questionnaires. Three major findings emerged. First, Traditional ACEs were higher in the current Latino youth sample than the national average but were not directly related to increased health-risk behaviors in this study. However, the prevalence of community-level ACEs was positively associated with alcohol and drug use. Second, both family cohesion and support from friends and adults moderated the association between Traditional ACEs and tobacco use. Third, preliminary empirical evidence is provided to show that exposure to ACEs affect stress hormone production and may be the mechanism by which ACEs relate to health-risk behaviors. Empirical findings such as those from this study highlight the growing need to examine ACEs in more diverse populations. The lack of direct link between ACEs and health-risk behaviors potentially speaks to the resilience, strength, and resourcefulness of Latino adolescents, and highlights the need for more research with this understudied population. Culturally relevant evidence-based programs aimed at improving health should use a strength-based approach by highlighting the cultural and personal strengths Latinos possess and explore how those could be used to cope with stressors and improve health. Policy should be focused on reducing community-level adversities by targeting the reduction of neighborhood violence and creating legislation that strengthens family units.
Farrah Jacquez, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Thomas Geracioti, M.D. (Committee Member)
Bridgette Peteet, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Matia Solomon, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Lisa Vaughn, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
69 p.
Psychology
adverse childhood experiences; childhood adversities; Latino; adolescents; health-risk behaviors; stress hormones

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Zhen-Duan, J. (2019). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and health-risk behaviors among Latino adolescents: A pilot study of potential hormonal mediators and social support moderators [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1571833536451152

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Zhen-Duan, Jenny. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and health-risk behaviors among Latino adolescents: A pilot study of potential hormonal mediators and social support moderators. 2019. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1571833536451152.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Zhen-Duan, Jenny. "Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and health-risk behaviors among Latino adolescents: A pilot study of potential hormonal mediators and social support moderators." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1571833536451152

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1571833536451152
377
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.