The effects of social support on ACEs and mental health in Ireland
Results of a scientific study on the role of social support in the relationship between childhood adversity and mental health in an Irish population; conducted within the scope of the National Research Programme 76 (NRP 76): “Welfare and Coercion – Past, Present and Future”.
This study was led by Dr. Shauna Rohner (formerly Mc Gee), under the direction of Principal Investigators PD Dr. Myriam V. Thoma and Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Maercker; in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Alan Carr, Clodagh Cogley, and other researchers.
Background
Previous research has shown that the more childhood adversity a person experiences, the bigger the likelihood of meeting the requirements for a diagnosis of various mental health disorders, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex PTSD. Social factors, such as social support can potentially protect against the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences on mental health. Perceived social support is a person’s belief that social support is available to them when they need it. High levels of perceived social support can decrease psychological distress, whereas low levels may increase the risk of experiencing trauma symptoms. However, there is limited information about the rates of adverse childhood experiences among older adults in Ireland, as well as the role of perceived social support in relation to mental health.
Aim of the Study
This study aimed to examine the role of perceived social support in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, and complex PTSD).
Data Collection and Participants
People could participate in this study if they were Irish individuals aged 50 years or older. Participants were recruited to the study using different methods, including online advertisements, newsletters, as well as putting up flyers in public spaces, such as in shops or libraries. Participants completed either an online or paper-and-pencil survey, lasting approximately 60 minutes, with different questionnaires on adverse childhood experiences, stress, health, and well-being. A total of 535 people participated in the study, 58% were female. Participants were aged between 50 and 86 years.
Findings
In total, 94% of participants had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, with 53% having experienced four or more. Results showed that adverse childhood experiences predicted higher anxiety and depression scores, as well as higher complex PTSD symptoms later in life. In addition, social support moderated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and anxiety/depression, as well as complex PTSD symptoms. This means that people with adverse childhood experiences reported less anxiety/depression and less complex PTSD symptoms if they had higher levels of perceived social support.
Conclusion
This study extends current understandings about the level of exposure to adverse childhood experiences among Irish older adults. Adverse childhood experiences were confirmed to have a negative effect on mental health (i.e., anxiety/depression, complex PTSD symptoms), even in later life. Furthermore, perceived social support acted as a buffer against anxiety/depression and complex PTSD symptoms in older adults who had experienced childhood adversity. These findings emphasise the long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences and highlight the importance of preventive measures and interventions that aim to increase (perceived) social support, such as training in social skills and cognitive reframing of social relations.