College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2025-04-26 12:10:01
Major
Biology
Honors Course
BIOL 499
Number of Credits
6
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a significant influence on long term mental and physical health risks, including the development of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). The current study examined the association between demographic and geo-coded environmental factors and ACE exposure and PTSS development among pediatric patients seen in a behavioral health department at a children’s hospital. Geo-coded factors included Child Opportunity Index (COI scores) and Rural Urban Area Commuting Codes (RUCA). ACE-related factors (type of ACE, ACE overall score) were also included when examining PTSS. Machine learning results indicated that models incorporating environmental data and ACE-related factors performed better than models that only included demographic factors. Findings highlight the importance of context factors, especially economic hardships and cumulative ACE exposure, in understanding ACE outcomes in youth. Implications for research and practice are explored, with an emphasis on trauma-informed, community-level intervention, and early screening approaches that target modifiable social and environmental factors in PTSS prevention and intervention.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Brian Bagatto
First Reader
Dr. Ayla Mapes
Second Reader
Dr. Sarah Delahanty
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Brian Bagatto
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Qureshi, Ayesha; Delahanty, Sarah PhD; Sharghi, Sima PhD; Shauver, Lisa MS; and Mapes, Ayla PhD, "Exploring Factors Associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Development of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1961.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1961
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons