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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Young Adult Carers Relative to Non-carer Peers and Relations with Mental Health, Caregiving and Socio-demographics

Author

Listed:
  • Giulia Landi

    (University of Bologna
    University of Bologna)

  • Aoife Bowman Grangel

    (University of Limerick)

  • Kenneth I. Pakenham

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Stephen Gallagher

    (University of Limerick)

  • Silvana Grandi

    (University of Bologna
    University of Bologna)

  • Eliana Tossani

    (University of Bologna
    University of Bologna)

Abstract

Young adult carers (YACs) report poorer mental health than their peers. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) constitute a mental health risk factor. Prior quantitative research has not investigated ACEs in YACs. Hence, this study explores ACEs in YACs and aims to: (1) compare ACEs in two groups of YACs (chronically ill parent and chronically ill non-parent family member contexts) with non-carer peers; (2) examine relations between caregiving and ACEs; (3) explore relations between socio-demographics and ACEs; (4) examine relationships between ACEs and mental health (depression, anxiety, well-being). A total of 1,823 Italians aged 18–29 completed an online survey. Of these, 1,458 reported no ill family member (non-carers) and 365 reported an ill family member (YACs); 268 with an ill parent, 97 with an ill non-parent family member. As predicted, YACs reported significantly higher ACEs than non-carers regardless of care context. Most reported ACEs in YACs: emotional neglect, emotional abuse, household mental illness, separation-divorce. Unexpectedly, caregiving was not significantly correlated with ACEs. Lower socio-economic status was correlated with higher ACEs. As hypothesised, higher ACEs predicted higher depression and anxiety and lower well-being. Results show that YACs are at greater risk of ACEs than non-carer peers, and that higher ACEs predict poorer mental health, hence supports should be developed that mitigate the harmful mental health effects of ACEs in YACs.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Landi & Aoife Bowman Grangel & Kenneth I. Pakenham & Stephen Gallagher & Silvana Grandi & Eliana Tossani, 2025. "Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Young Adult Carers Relative to Non-carer Peers and Relations with Mental Health, Caregiving and Socio-demographics," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 18(3), pages 1393-1414, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:18:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12187-025-10237-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-025-10237-7
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