Correlates of Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Children in Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Immigrant Households in the United States
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: As the immigrant population in the United States increases and diversifies, the necessity of examining adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by racial and ethnic group within the immigrant population has become apparent. This study examines patterns and structural correlates of ACEs among children in Hispanic, Non-Hispanic (NH) Black, and NH White immigrant households. The National Survey of Children's Health (2016-2023) was utilized to obtain a nationally representative sample of children (ages 0-17) for a cross-sectional study (N = 32,094). Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the correlates of low ACEs (1 ACE) and high ACEs (≥ 2 ACEs). NH Black immigrant households had the highest percentage of children experiencing high (12.7%) and low ACEs (28.2%). Each incremental increase in income was associated with reduced odds of high ACEs exposure among NH Black immigrant children, but NH White immigrant children only benefited from increased income if they were in the highest income bracket (< 400% of the poverty line). English as the primary household language was associated with increased odds of high ACEs exposure among all immigrant groups. This study documents patterns and structural correlates of ACEs among children in Hispanic, NH Black, and NH White immigrant households. ACEs prevalence patterns mirror those in the general population, with children in NH Black immigrant households at highest risk. The impact of sociodemographic and structural factors varied across immigrant racial and ethnic groups, pointing to the complex interplay between socio-structural factors and immigrant group-specific stressors.
Authors: Angela G. Campbell, Wura Jacobs
Institution: Indiana University Bloomington
Language: English
Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,990
OpenAlex ID: W4415627028