The resounding influence of benevolent childhood experiences

Bibliographic Data

ID2395559
AuthorsKaley A Herman (0000-0002-6147-7449, Johns Hopkins University), Dane Hautala (0000-0002-6049-970X, Johns Hopkins University), Dane S Hautala (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Indigenous Health, Duluth, MN, USA), Kevalin M W Aulandez (Johns Hopkins University), Melissa L Walls (0000-0001-6324-457X, Johns Hopkins University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume61
Issue3
Pages339-350
Publication date2024-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTranscultural Psychiatric Research Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0041-1108 • E-ISSN: 0315-4386
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13634615231192006
PMID38419503
OpenAlexW4392287413
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited73

Research with Indigenous communities has demonstrated the detrimental impacts of intergenerational trauma and disproportionate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health and behavioral outcomes in adulthood. A more balanced narrative that includes positive childhood experiences is needed. The construct of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) facilitates assessment of positive early life experiences and their impact on well-being for Indigenous peoples. We consider associations between BCEs and well-being when taking into account ACEs and adult positive experiences. Participants are from Healing Pathways, a longitudinal, community-based panel study with Indigenous families in the Midwestern United States and Canada. Data for the current analyses are derived from 453 participants interviewed at wave 9 of the study. Participants reported high levels of positive childhood experiences in the form of BCEs, with 86.5% of the wave 9 participants reporting experiencing at least six of seven positive indicators. BCEs were positively associated with young adult well-being. This relationship persisted even when accounting for ACEs and adult positive experiences. While ACEs were negatively correlated with young adult well-being, they were not significantly associated with well-being when considering family satisfaction and receiving emotional support. Evidence of high levels of BCEs reflects realities of strong Indigenous families and an abundance of positive childhood experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences · Construct (python library · Developmental psychology · Early childhood · Indigenous · Longitudinal study · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Well-being · Child Abuse and Trauma · Clinical Psychology · Ecology · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access