Study identifies factors that can help children thrive in the face of adversity

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/aaop-sif042216.php

Public Release: 30-Apr-2016
Study identifies factors that can help children thrive in the face of adversity
Research to be presented at the Pediatrics Academic Societies 2016 Meeting suggests certain family, social and community supports help protect kids from long-term physical and mental health problems that can result from childhood hardship and trauma
American Academy of Pediatrics

Research shows that people who experience four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as economic hardship, exposure to violence or the death of a loved one, are more likely to have lasting physical and mental health problems. But a new research abstract to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting suggests that certain family, social and community assets may boost a child's chances of flourishing in the face of adversity.

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Her research team found that even when children were exposed to adverse childhood experiences, certain family and community strengths appeared to have a protective effect on health, social and behavioral outcomes. Among the most influential of these were having access to patient-centered, coordinated medical care, mothers who were in excellent mental health, and community supports. The latter was gauged by responses to statements such as, "I have adults I can trust, people to count on."

Additional protective factors identified in the study included fathers in excellent mental health, mothers and fathers who had completed at least some college, living in a neighborhood with amenities such as sidewalks, a library, a park and a recreation center, and mothers in good physical health.

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