Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Dr. Yawen Li
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between immigration status, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and psychological distress using a representative dataset from California (N=21,463). It investigates two primary research questions: (1) how immigration status influences ACE scores and (2) whether ACE and PCE scores are associated with psychological distress. Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess these relationships. Findings indicate that non-citizens report significantly lower ACE scores, and lower levels of psychological distress compared to U.S.-born, supporting the "immigrant paradox"—where immigrants exhibit better mental health outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts despite exposure to stressors. Additionally, ACE exposure was strongly linked to psychological distress, with individuals experiencing four or more ACEs being nearly twice as likely to report serious psychological distress compared to those with no ACEs. Furthermore, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) were found to mitigate psychological distress, highlighting the role of protective factors in fostering resilience. These findings suggest that traditional ACE measures may not fully capture adversities unique to immigrants, such as acculturation stress, family separation, discrimination, and legal uncertainty, which may contribute to psychological distress in ways not reflected in conventional ACE scoring. This study underscores the need for culturally informed trauma assessments and interventions that address both childhood adversity and immigration-related stressors. Future research should refine ACE measures to better capture immigrant-specific challenges and inform mental health interventions and policy initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Martinez, Sofia, "The Impact of Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences on Immigrants and Their Psychological Well-Being" (2025). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2276.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2276