The mediating role of social support on the link between adverse childhood experiences and adult mental health

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with adult mental health, especially anxiety and depression. We aimed to explain these relationships by investigating perceived social support as a mediating factor. In this model, it is proposed that individuals who experience more ACEs will have less perceived social support in adulthood, which in turn will increase reported anxiety and depression symptoms. Data were collected on ACEs, anxiety, depression, and perceived social support using an anonymous REDCap survey distributed through various social media outlets and relevant listservs. Respondents (N = 494) were caregivers who primarily resided in the United States and identified as White, well-educated, middle class, and female. ACEs were measured using the expanded ACE questionnaire extracted from the Health–Resiliency–Stress Questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale, respectively. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results confirmed partial mediating effects of social support on the relation between (a) ACEs and anxiety and (b) ACEs and depression. Increased exposure to ACEs was associated with less social support in adulthood and, consequently, to greater mental health symptomatology. Implications of these findings highlight the potential role of social support as a preventative strategy and adult social support as a mitigating strategy.