Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have numerous negative associations with developmental outcomes from early childhood through adulthood, including impaired mental health. Support from others may dampen the effects of ACEs on mental health outcomes such as symptoms of anxiety and depression. The existing research in this area focuses on ACEs as cumulative risk scores, without considering the potential differential impacts of varying forms of childhood adversity. Using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III), the current study tested the main effects of ACE type (abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) on the odds of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (general, social, panic disorder) and depression (major depressive episode or major depressive disorder) and evaluated social support as moderating these associations. As a secondary goal, main and moderating associations were evaluated within racial groups (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native), given known disparities in ACEs and in access to and utilization of mental health services among groups that are marginalized. Logistic regression analyses revealed each ACE type increased the odds of mental health symptoms. Social support in adulthood had little buffering effect on adversity experienced in childhood and adult anxiety and depressive symptoms. Parental history of anxiety and depression had a significant impact on the odds of experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Differences among racial groups were also apparent. Findings suggest that further research is necessary to understand the differences in how support can moderate associations between ACEs and mental health outcomes.
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