New Faces, Different ACEs? Exploring Childhood Adversity Profiles and Related Outcomes in Army National Guard Recruits Using Latent Class Analysis

Author

Taylor Flowers

Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Michael Rudd

Committee Member

Kathryn H. Howell

Committee Member

Melissa A. Polusny

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to numerous problems in adulthood, with a total score of four or more indicating elevated risk. The present study aimed to identify subgroups of Army National Guard recruits from self-reported ACEs. Baseline data from the Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience longitudinal study was analyzed. Participants were administered self-report measures of ACEs, PROMIS measures of anxiety, depression, and anger, and measures of alcohol use, drug use, rule-breaking behavior, and interpersonal aggression. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups of soldiers with distinct typological ACEs profiles. Fit statistics were used to identify the best-fitting model. Four distinct latent classes were identified: low ACEs, maltreatment, chaotic home environment, and poly-adversity. Classes were compared across anxiety, depression, anger, substance use, and deviant behavior outcomes. The present study highlights the importance of considering unique patterns of ACEs exposure and their association with subsequent negative outcomes.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest

Notes

Open Access

Recommended Citation

Flowers, Taylor, "New Faces, Different ACEs? Exploring Childhood Adversity Profiles and Related Outcomes in Army National Guard Recruits Using Latent Class Analysis" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3638.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/3638