The longitudinal co-development of adverse childhood experiences and child internalizing problems: Examining sociodemographic disparities

Abstract Internalizing problems are prevalent in childhood and are associated with exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); however, their co-development across childhood remains understudied. Prior research documents sociodemographic disparities (i.e., race/ethnicity, sex, income) in ACE exposure and internalizing problems. The current study examined individual and co-developing trajectories of ACEs and internalizing problems and sociodemographic disparities among 4,655 diverse at-risk youth at ages 3, 5, and 9. Participants were 52.2% boys and racially and ethnically diverse, with 44.7% Black, 22.5% Hispanic, 16.7% Other, and 16.2% White youth. Results showed various trajectories with stable levels of cumulative ACE exposure over time and internalizing problems trajectories that decreased or increased over time. Findings provide some evidence for a dose–response relationship between ACEs and internalizing problems. Youth of Color (φ = 0.26, 0.11, 0.19) and from low-income backgrounds ( ϵ 2 = 0.07–0.09, 0.02, 0.06–0.08) were more likely to be in worse trajectories of ACEs, internalizing problems, and joint trajectories across ages 3, 5, and 9, respectively. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive trauma-informed interventions and policy-level efforts that target the root cause of inequities.