Adverse Childhood Experiences, Resilience and Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Common Denominator Issues for Children with Emotional, Mental, or Behavioral Problems

Abstract

US children with emotional, mental, or behavioral conditions (EMB) have disproportionate exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). There are theoretic and empirical explanations for early and lifelong physical, mental, emotional, educational, and social impacts of the resultant trauma and chronic stress. Using mindfulness-based, mind-body approaches (MBMB) may strengthen families and promote child resilience and success. This paper examines associations between EMB, ACEs, and protective factors, such as child resilience, parental coping/stress, and parent-child engagement. Findings encourage family-centered and mindfulness-based approaches to address social and emotional trauma and potentially interrupt cycles of ACEs and prevalence of EMB.

Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; Child and adolescent mental health; Mindfulness; Parent stress; Protective factors; Resilience.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Prevalence of emotional, mental, or behavioral conditions (EMB) by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) exposure and resilience status (all US children ages 6–17). Data from 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health

Figure 2

Distribution of all school age children (6–17) and children with emotional, mental, or behavioral conditions (EMBs): by resilience, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) status and income (federal poverty level [FPL]). Data from 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health

Figure 3

Prevalence of school success factors among US children age 6 to 17 with emotional, mental or behavioral conditions (EMB) and 2 or more adverse childhood experiences exposures (ACEs) by resilience status. Data from 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health

Figure 4

Prevalence of resilience among US children age 2 to 17 with emotional, mental or behavioral conditions (EMB) and 2 or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) exposures by key protective factors. Data from 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health

Figure 5

Use of mind—body approaches and mean of total conventional medical care expenditures for US children age 2 to 17: all children, those with emotional, mental or behavioral conditions (EMB) and those with attention deficit disorder (ADD)/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Data from 2007 NHIS and NHIS-Child CAM Supplement and 2008 MEPS