Childhood adversity and social exclusion among African immigrants: The mediating and moderating role of emotional distress.

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the wealth of research examining detrimental consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adulthood, little is known about the effects of ACEs on African immigrant health and integration. This study examined the impact of ACEs on various social exclusion domains including sociocultural, economic, and structural exclusion, and explored the mediation and/or moderating role of depression and anxiety symptoms on this relationship. Additionally, the study also assessed the prevalence of ACEs by sociodemographic categories among this population.

Method: Self-report data from 598 predominantly Black (82%) first and second-generation U.S.-based immigrants from Africa were utilized. Data were analyzed using path analyses.

Results: About 43% reported experiencing four ACEs or more with higher rates among second-generation immigrants. Emotional abuse and neglect were the most commonly experienced forms of adversity. As predicted, ACEs were significantly associated with sociocultural, structural, and economic exclusion. Depression symptoms mediated the association between ACEs and structural exclusion. The relationship between ACEs and sociocultural and economic exclusion was moderated by both anxiety and depression symptoms. There were differences in mediation and moderation outcomes by immigrant generation.

Conclusions: Intervention efforts aimed at fostering inclusion of African immigrants should consider childhood adversities as precursors to integration in host countries and include mental health supports to reduce negative outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).