(PS6-37) Differential Effects of Gender on Early Adverse Childhood Experiences and Criminality

The family environment influences neurodevelopment during youth, affecting children's social, emotional, and psychological well-being (Dube et al., 2006; Perry & Pollard, 1998). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are related to an increased likelihood of initiating alcohol and drug use during early adolescence (i.e., £ 14) (Dube et al., 2006). This is problematic as the early onset of drinking and drug use is associated with dependence later in life (Dube et al., 2006; Grant et al., 2001; Hingson et al., 2003). Moreover, studies have empirically demonstrated that early adversity (i.e., physical and sexual abuse) relates to alcohol and drug use in adolescence, indicating perpetuation throughout adulthood (Simantov et al., 2000; Van der Kolk et al., 1991). This study aims to investigate the role of the age of the first ACE in the relationship between a) ACEs and drug use and b) ACEs and alcohol use in young adults.

One hundred sixty-nine young adults (M_Age = 25.87) completed an online survey. The sample identified as 56% female and 36% nonwhite. Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire (Felitti et al., 2019) and indicated the age of first occurrence for each ACE they endorsed. Additionally, participants completed the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Berman et al., 2003; Saunders et al., 1993), which measure current problematic drug and alcohol use.

Linear regression analyses revealed that the cumulative number of ACEs (b = 3.31, p = .01) and age of the first ACE (b = 1.35, p = .33) accounted for 8.1% of the variance in problematic adult drug use (p = .06). Age of first ACE moderated the relationship between ACEs and drug use (b = 2.65, p = .045). Problematic adult drug use was uniquely high at high cumulative ACE scores and a higher age of first ACE. For problematic alcohol use, ACEs (b = 1.36, p = .09) and age of first ACE (b = .53, p = .46) only accounted for 2.3% of the variance in problematic adult alcohol use (p = .24). However, age of first ACE moderated the relationship between cumulative ACEs and problematic adult alcohol use (b = 1.65, p = .04). Similar to problematic drug use, a uniquely high level of problematic adult alcohol use is apparent at a higher age of first ACE and a higher cumulative ACE score.

This study indicates that those who experienced their first ACE at an older age are more likely to engage in problematic alcohol and drug use compared to those who experienced their first ACE at a younger age. This may occur as older children are more likely to have been exposed to or have already known alcohol and drugs to use as potential coping mechanisms following an ACE. Effective treatment should be aware of these results to prevent potential alcohol and drug use. Coping strategies specifically designed to combat the risk of alcohol and drug use in older children following their adverse experiences may prompt clinicians and therapists to take a more active approach to their client’s well-being. Further research should identify other factors that influence alcohol and drug use, such as the typology of adverse childhood experiences.