Intergenerational Continuity of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among Cebuano Mothers: A Moderated Mediation Model

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring before age 18 and are known to be transmitted across generations, increasing the risk of abuse and maltreatment perpetration in adulthood. However, identifying the factors that facilitate this transmission remains complex. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Process–Person–Context–Time (PPCT) model as the theoretical lens, this study examined how parental proximal stressors and negative parenting practices contribute to the continuity of ACEs from mothers (G2) to their children (G3). Data from 211 mothers in Cebu City, Philippines were analyzed using second-stage moderated mediation in R to assess the conditional indirect effect of G2 ACEs on G3 ACEs via parental proximal stressors, moderated by negative parenting practices. Results supported a moderated mediation model, R² = .32, F(8, 202) = 12.03, indicating that the interaction of stressors and negative parenting heightens the risk of ACE continuity. These findings underscore the PPCT model’s utility in explaining intergenerational trauma and highlight the need for preventive education and early intervention.