Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences and Young Adult Latino Children's Mental Health

Introduction Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes in young children, however young adults and, specifically, young adult Latinos have been vastly understudied. This study investigates the intergenerational pathway between maternal ACEs and behavioral health outcomes of their young adult (YA) children, as mediated through YAs’ own ACEs and maternal depression. Methods Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data (in 2023) from mothers and their YA children (n=398 dyads) enrolled in the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) cohort, a primarily Latino agricultural sample. Maternal and YA ACEs were self-reported retrospectively at an 18 year old visit (2018-2020). YA- and maternal-reported internalizing and maternal-reported externalizing behaviors were assessed at 18 years of age with the Behavior Assessment for Children, 2nd edition. Maternal depression was assessed at a 9 year old visit (2010-2012) using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results Maternal and YA ACEs were weakly but statistically significantly correlated (R=0.22). Maternal ACEs were statistically significantly associated with maternal-reported youth internalizing symptoms (β=0.29; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.38; p<0.001) and externalizing symptoms (β=0.24; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.33; p<0.001), and marginally associated with youth-reported internalizing symptoms (β=0.08; 95%CI: -0.02, 0.18 p=0.13). Youth ACEs and maternal depressive symptomatology mediated associations between maternal ACEs and YA outcomes. Conclusion Findings demonstrate potential impacts of adversity across generations in Latino immigrant families, an understudied population. Understanding mechanisms and factors associated with these pathways may lead to strategies that prevent poor mental health outcomes in YAs.