BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a significant impact on informal social support (ISS) and social participation (SP) among middle-aged and older adults. Existing studies highlight the critical role of SP and ISS in promoting healthy aging. Social participation is associated with reduced cognitive decline, lower mortality risk, and improved mental health in older adults. ISS is linked to better physical and psychological outcomes. However, despite evidence on the protective effects of SP and ISS, the impact of ACEs on these factors in middle and older adulthood remains unclear. To analyze and understand the characteristics of different subgroups of ACEs and to comprehend the influence of ACEs on SP and ISS in middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011-2018) and the 2014 Life History Survey (N = 11070). Diverse aspects of SP frequency, ISS, and ACEs were identified based on the CHARLS questionnaire items and ACEs were categorized using latent profile models. The fixed effects model was used to understand the impact of ACEs on SP and ISS and to explore differences in ACE subgroup.

RESULTS

Three distinct subgroups of ACEs were determined. It was found that the central role of parental mental health in the intergenerational transmission of ACEs, that better parental mental health and childhood SES in ACEs had a positive impact on SP and ISS (p < 0.01), and that those who experienced physical abuse were less likely to contact their children (β = -0.009, p < 0.001). But no significant differences were found in poor parental mental group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that better parental mental health and childhood SES in ACEs have a positive impact on SP and ISS. It is recommended that screening and intervention for ACEs be integrated into the Chinese community health service system to increase the prevalence of SP and reduce the intergenerational transmission of trauma for healthy aging.