Adverse Childhood Experiences and Economic Hardship: Insights from the National Survey of Children’s Health

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are intricately associated with poverty in general. This study examined the association between ACEs and economic hardship among U.S. children (N = 54,103) using data derived from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health. Data analysis was conducted using logistic regression models. Based on parental reports, 11.5% of children experienced economic hardship at some point in their lives. Children exposed to 1, 2, or 3 or more ACEs had progressively higher odds of experiencing economic hardship in their households. Several individual ACEs, including violence exposure, household mental illness, substance use, and discrimination were significantly associated with higher odds of experiencing economic hardship. Findings highlight the need for trauma-informed, economic, and policy interventions to support vulnerable children and their families with limited resources in U.S households.