Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Li, Yawen

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of long-term health and behavioral outcomes. Using data from 19,771 adults in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this study examines the relationship between ACEs and substance use in adulthood, emphasizing the role of childhood trauma in shaping later-life health behaviors. Participants reported their ACE exposure through a 10-item ACE scale titled Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaire developed by Vincent Felitti and Robert Anda. The study assesses the use of various substances, including (a) marijuana, (b) e-cigarettes, (c) CBD, (d) cigarettes, (e) alcohol, and (f) illicit drugs, measured by past use and current use. Demographic variables such as age, gender, race, educational attainment, citizenship, and English proficiency are also included as control variables. Ordinal logistic regressions were conducted using SPSS to examines the association between ACEs and substance use patterns. Findings indicate more ACE exposure predicted increased likelihood of all substance use in adulthood, underscoring the necessity of trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence linking childhood adversity to long-term substance use behaviors and reinforce the need for public health policies addressing early-life trauma.

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