The Impact of Parental Participation, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Socioeconomic Factors, and Parental Mental Health on the Flourishing of Adolescents

Background: A crucial study area is exploring the intricate relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), parental participation, and flourishing. It illuminates the profound and lasting impact early life experiences can have on individual well-being and societal health. This study aims to delve deep into the nuanced interplay between the detrimental effects of ACEs and the potentially mitigating role that parental involvement can play in fostering resilience and positive outcomes in individuals. The concept of flourishing, defined as a state of positive mental health where individuals experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being, serves as the focal point of this investigation. By examining how ACEs influence the likelihood of children and adolescents flourishing, this research seeks to uncover critical insights into parental involvement and socioeconomic factors that potentially shape flourishment, thereby providing valuable insights for social workers, academic researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals.

Method: This study employed data from the 2022 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), (weighted N= 16,386,900). The 2022 NSCH is a cross-sectional survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau under the guidance of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The data were weighted using survey weights, and the sample subgroup pertaining to children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 was included in the analysis. Flourishing mental health was the outcome variable, and ACEs and Parental Participation were the independent variables. The control variables included race/ethnicity, federal poverty level, and parental mental health. Multinominal regression was fitted to examine the association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), Parental Participation, and Flourishment.

Result: The sample was evenly split between female (48%) and male (51%) children. Almost half (47%) of the sample was NH white, followed by Hispanic (26%), NH Black (13%), Asian (5%), or other racial identities (7%). Approximately one in five children experienced one ACE, and 21% two or more. Most (59%) met all three flourishing items, with the remainder split between two items (20%) and 0-1 items (19%). ACE score and parental participation were significantly associated with the flourishing mental health of children and adolescents. Children with an ACE score of one (RRR=1.71, p<.001) and two or higher (RRR=3.42, p<.001) had a higher risk of being in the least flourishing category. Children who had parental participation had less likelihood of being in the category of meets 0-1 flourishing items (RRR=.38, p<.001) or two flourishing items (RRR=.60, p<.001). Further, the findings revealed a significant association between socioeconomic factors, parental mental health, and flourishing mental health.

Conclusion: The analysis underscores the critical impact of parental participation, adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic factors, and parental mental health on children's flourishing levels. It also highlights the potential for positive change, as increased parental involvement and better mental health outcomes within the family unit are protective factors that significantly increase the odds of children achieving higher levels of flourishing. Conversely, adverse childhood experiences and lower socioeconomic status are associated with increased odds of lower flourishing levels, indicating areas where targeted interventions can make a significant difference.