Childhood adversity and physical health among Asian Indian emerging adults in the United States: Exploring disease specific vulnerabilities and the role of anger

Abstract

_Objective:_ The link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative health outcomes is well established among middle-aged adults and within the general population; however, ACEs’ impact on physical health among emerging adults and specific ethnic minority groups, such as distinct Asian American subgroups, remains understudied and poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between ACEs, anger expression, stress, and physical health in a sample of Asian Indian (AI) emerging adults (18–29 years) living in the United States. _Method:_ Participants (N = 132; Mage = 23.52; 13.6% first generation; 86.4% born in United States) completed an electronic questionnaire measuring variables of ACEs, anger expression, recent stress, health history, self-rated health, and recent physical illness symptoms. Chi-square, regression, and mediation analyses were conducted to examine associations among variables. _Results:_ ACEs significantly predicted greater anger expression, perceived stress, number of chronic health conditions, and recent physical illness symptoms. Ninety-four percent of participants with ≥ 3 ACEs endorsed at least 1 previously diagnosed medical condition, and these participants exhibited remarkably high odds of diabetes and high blood pressure. Mediation analyses indicated anger expression significantly mediated ACEs’ impact on recent stress and physical illness symptoms. _Conclusions:_ Findings evidence that ACE-related physical health consequences are, in fact, already detectable by emerging adulthood among AI Americans. The distinct ACEs patterns and pronounced ACE-related health consequences found in this population warrant further study. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

_Impact Statement_ Clinical Impact Statement: Results shows that the physical health consequences of childhood adversity (e.g., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) are already detectable by early adulthood among Asian Indian (AI) Americans. Findings suggest that these health consequences may be particularly pronounced among AI emerging adults. AI emerging adults may benefit from interventions that target improving skills regulating negative emotions, such as anger. 202070973 (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)