Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Late-life Mental Health: Potential Mechanisms Based on a Nationally Representative Survey in China

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are risk factors in the mental health of older adults; however, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the mediating role of physical and cognitive functions and the moderating role of number of children in the association between ACEs and mental health. A sample of 8,494 Chinese older adults are drawn from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Findings show that ACEs have negative effects on mental health of older adults. Physical and cognitive functions partially mediate the above relationship. Furthermore, the effect of ACEs on mental health is stronger for older adults with fewer rather than more children. This study advances extant knowledge by illuminating the possible mechanisms of how ACEs influence later-life mental health. Important policy and practical implications are provided.