Sex/Gender Differences in the Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence With Mental Disorders and Attempted Suicide: Variations by Race/Ethnicity

Objective: This cross-sectional study explored sex/gender differences in the associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and intimate partner violence (IPV) with mental health problems (i.e., attempted suicide and mental disorders), including whether sex/gender differences varied by race/ethnicity. Method: Data were used from participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions in the United States of America (Wave II: 2004-2005). Logistic regressions tested associations between ACEs (i.e., child abuse, child neglect, and child household dysfunction) and IPV or cumulative trauma with mental health problems along with sex/gender and race/ethnicity interactions. Results: Females who experienced child abuse or three to four cumulative traumas had greater odds of attempted suicide than males with the same experiences. Males who experienced IPV had greater odds of attempted suicide than females who experienced IPV. There were significant sex/gender differences in the associations between cumulative trauma and mental disorders (i.e., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, and nicotine dependence), except posttraumatic stress disorder. For example, females with cumulative trauma had greater odds of substance use disorders. Many sex/gender differences in associations between ACEs and IPV or cumulative trauma with mental health problems varied by race/ethnicity. For example, child neglect was associated with greater odds of attempted suicide for non-Hispanic Black males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.53 vs. AOR = 1.29 for females), whereas no sex/gender differences in this association were revealed for non-Hispanic White or Hispanic adults. Conclusions: Findings show sex/gender differences in associations between trauma and mental health problems that vary by race/ethnicity and warrant further study.