Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on Mental Health Help-Seeking Among Asian American Adults: Findings from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey
摘要
Cumulative adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and psychological distress have been shown to negatively affect mental health across the lifespan. Less is known, however, about how ACEs might impact mental health help-seeking behavior in adulthood, especially among Asian Americans, a population with high exposure to trauma who also face cultural barriers to mental health care. The study’s aim was to evaluate the prevalence of ACEs within a sample of Asian American respondents, the relationship of ACEs and psychological distress with help-seeking, and the association of ACEs with different types of help-seeking behaviors. Data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey (N = 4,345) were analyzed. Pairwise comparisons examined differences in ACEs and covariates across the seven Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, South Asian, and Other Asian American). Multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated the relationship between ACEs and covariates with professional and emerging digital mental health help-seeking behaviors. The joint effect between ACEs and Asian American subgroup was evaluated for each type of mental health help-seeking. Covariates included psychological distress, gender, age, marital status, insurance, education, English proficiency, self-rated health, and being U.S.-born. Asian American adults with 4 + ACEs were more likely to seek mental health help from primary care practitioners, mental health professionals, and social media/blogs/online forums than respondents with ≤ 3 ACEs. Moderate/severe psychological distress increased likelihood to seek mental health help. No significant interaction between ACEs and Asian American subgroup was found. Findings indicate that Asian American respondents with elevated ACEs and distress are more likely to seek mental health help from professional and emerging digital resources. This suggests a demand for these resources among those with higher needs. Differences across ACEs and distress levels in help-seeking behaviors emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions and accessible mental health resources to better support the diverse help-seeking preferences within the Asian American community.