The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Depressive Symptoms in Later Life: Mediating Role of Self-Perceptions of Aging in Low-Income Older Korean Immigrants

Given the mental health impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the vulnerability of socially disadvantaged older adults, we examined the associations among ACEs, self-perceptions of aging and mental health in low-income older Korean immigrants. Using data from 320 residents in subsidized housing in Los Angeles (mean age = 79.4), we found a significant indirect effect of ACEs on depressive symptoms through self-perceptions of aging (B [SE] = .12 [.05], bias-corrected 95% CI = 0.02, 0.22). These findings elucidate a mechanism through which early life adversities affect the current mental health of older adults and highlight the importance of interventions aimed at promoting positive perceptions of aging.