Go Back Research Article March, 2020

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Sexual Well-being among Youth Formerly in the Foster Care System

Author James Dennis Fortenberry Author Richard A. Brandon-Friedman

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of broad and singular measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and severity of sexual abuse on sexual well-being among youth formerly in the foster care system (YFFC). Divorce, alcohol/drug use within the home, the presence of mental illness or a family member suicide attempt, and sexual abuse severity increased odds of negative sexual outcomes and predicted lower sexual well-being. ACE levels negatively impacted outcomes but positively impacted sexual well-being. Research must move beyond summative ACE measures to examine the impact of types of ACEs and sexual abuse severity on sexual well-being and sexual health outcomes for YFFC.

Keywords

adverse childhood experiences (ace) sexual well-being foster care system youth formerly in foster care (yffc) sexual abuse severity childhood trauma sexual health outcomes mental health substance use family dynamics ace measurement trauma-informed care public health risk factors resilience child welfare developmental outcomes sexual behavior abuse survivors health disparities
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Volume 97
Issue 6
Pages 165-186
ISSN 2833-5619