Adverse Childhood Experiences, Parental Attachment and Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Adolescents: A Study from Gujrat, Pakistan

Parental attachment and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) play a central role in the emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in adolescents. The present study looked at the nature of the relationship between ACEs, parental attachment and EBPs among adolescents (14-19 years) of Gujrat City, Pakistan. A group of 400 adolescents enrolled in public and private schools were targeted. The correlational research design was used in testing the relationship among ACE experiences, parental attachment and EBPPs. Measurement of the ACEs was, with respect to the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) (Felitti et al, 1998), which measured the frequency and severity of the trauma that one experienced as a child. The basis of internalizing and externalizing behavior was used in the assessment of EBPS based on the grounds of Emotional and Behavioral Problems Scale (EBPS) (Kausar et al., 2022). Parental Attachment- the means of the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) was used to measure Parental Attachment (Armsden & Greenberg, 1987). Data analysis was performed through the SPSS version 26 statistical package of the Social Sciences (SPSS). Spearman correlation showed ACEs positively relate to EBPs, while parental attachment negatively correlates with both ACEs and EBPs. All correlations are significant (p < 0.01). Regression analysis found ACEs to be significant predictors of EBPs, with 13% variance in EBPs. No significant gender differences were found, but subject differences existed. ACEs predict EBPs, yet community and extended family support may better address adolescent mental health in Pakistan.