LIFE COURSE APPROACH TO CAREGIVING FOR AGING PARENTS: THE ROLE OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
2024
The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Caregivers of Aging Parents
Sample size: 412
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Kong Jooyoung, Robert Stephanie, Fletcher Jason
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin Madison
Hypothesis
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) negatively affect the mental health of adult caregivers for aging parents.
Conclusion
Caregivers with substantial ACEs reported worse physical and mental health compared to those with no or low ACEs.
Supporting Evidence
- 60% of caregivers reported no or low adverse childhood experiences.
- 12% of caregivers faced neglect and household challenges during childhood.
- 5% experienced paternal abuse.
- 16% reported parental physical abuse.
- 7% had substantial adverse childhood experiences.
Takeaway
If someone had a tough childhood, they might find it harder to take care of their aging parents and feel more stressed.
Methodology
The study used latent class analyses on data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) to assess patterns of ACEs among caregivers.
Participant Demographics
Caregivers of aging mothers, with a focus on their childhood experiences.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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