Childhood Adversity and Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Behaviors Among African‐Origin Emerging Adults in the United States: Findings From an Online Panel

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Abstract
This study examined associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, lifetime suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicide attempt among African‐origin emerging adults in the United States. Data were drawn from a cross‐sectional, nonprobability online panel of 537 participants aged 18–29, comprising foreign‐born first‐generation African immigrants and U.S.‐born second‐generation participants with African‐born parents. We assessed ACEs using an expanded cumulative index that included conventional household adversities and four community‐level adversities. We used separate multivariable linear and logistic regression models to examine associations between ACEs and each mental health outcome. We also ran generation‐stratified models and formal tests of ACEs × generation interactions. Higher ACE scores were associated with greater anxiety, depressive symptom severity, and higher odds of lifetime suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempt. Associations were statistically significant within both generational groups. Generation significantly moderated the associations between ACEs and suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, with stronger associations among first‐generation participants. Generation did not significantly moderate the associations of ACEs with anxiety or depression. Second‐generation participants had higher overall odds of suicidal ideation than first‐generation participants. ACEs were consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes among African‐origin emerging adults in this U.S.‐based online panel. The findings support culturally responsive, trauma‐informed assessment and intervention while underscoring the need for longitudinal research examining how developmental, migration‐related, and sociocultural contexts may contribute to these associations.

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