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Citation |
Raffaelli M, Santana JP, De Morais NA, Nieto CJ, Koller SH. Child Abuse Negl. 2018; 85: 91-100. |
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Affiliation |
Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 #63C-69, Bogotá, DC, Colombia; North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. Electronic address: silvia.koller@gmail.com. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
30170923 |
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Abstract |
Most research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been conducted in high-income countries in the global North. The current longitudinal study examined the prevalence, overlap, and impact of ACEs in a sample of Brazilian children and adolescents who use city streets as spaces for socialization and survival (i.e., street-involved youth). Participants (N = 113; M age = 14.18 years) were recruited in three cities following standardized procedures. Most youth were male (80.5%) and non-White (91%). Lifetime exposure to ACEs was assessed at the first study time point; six indicators of psychological, behavioral, and physical adjustment were assessed 6 months later. Analyses addressed three research goals. First, the prevalence of seven ACEs was examined. Youth reported an average of 4.8 ACEs (SD = 1.25); no significant age or gender differences were found in ACEs exposure (all ps >.05). Second, the overlap between different ACEs was explored. Family dysfunction was correlated with family disruption and physical abuse; poverty and physical abuse were related (ps <.05). Third, prospective associations between ACEs and adjustment were tested. Total number of ACEs was not significantly correlated with any outcome, but several associations emerged for specific ACEs. For example, death of a close friend or family member was prospectively associated with negative affect; sexual abuse was associated with illicit drug use and physical health symptoms (ps <.05). Language: en |
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Keywords |
Adjustment; Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); Brazil; Longitudinal study; Street-involved youth |