Effects of adverse childhood experiences and childhood socioeconomic disadvantage on youth depression: A scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood socioeconomic disadvantage have been independently associated with depression. It has also been established that ACEs are more likely to occur in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. However, the complex associations among all three factors together remain unclear.Objective: The purpose of this scoping review was to analyse the state of the literature on the associations among ACEs, childhood socioeconomic disadvantage, and depression-related outcomes (e.g., depression symptoms) for individuals aged 25 or younger.Method: We conducted a systematised search of four databases using terms that included "adverse childhood experiences", "socioeconomic status", "poverty", and "depression".Results: Of the 7 922 abstracts screened, 18 relevant articles were identified. Nine studies found ACEs and childhood socioeconomic disadvantage were independently associated with depression-related outcomes. Seven studies reported that ACEs were significantly associated with depression-related outcomes, after accounting for childhood socioeconomic disadvantage, but not vice versa. Four studies assessed for synergistic effects between childhood socioeconomic disadvantage and ACEs on depression-related outcomes. Of these, only two studies found that childhood socioeconomic disadvantage modified the association between ACEs and depression-related outcomes.Conclusion: Associations existed between ACEs and depression-related outcomes despite controlling for childhood socioeconomic disadvantage. However, there was inconclusive evidence regarding the nature of childhood socioeconomic disadvantage when it was introduced into the relationship.