Adverse Childhood Experiences as Predictors of Unsupported Parenting: Evidence from the 2022–2023 NSFG
Faculty Mentor
Logan T. Cowan, PhD, MPH & Joanne Chopak-Foss, PhD, FASHA
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
Completed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Department
Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences
Abstract
Background
Single-parent families have become increasingly common in the United States. Parents with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may face greater challenges in establishing stable parenting relationships. This study aimed to investigate the association between an expanded set of ACEs and unsupported parenting.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used 2022–2023 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data to examine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), assessed individually and cumulatively, and unsupported parenting (absence of a spouse/partner). Logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with p< 0.05 indicating statistical significance.
Results
Among the 3,238 participants, 709 reported unsupported parenting; most were male (n=603, 85.0%). Several ACEs demonstrated a strong association with unsupported parenting after adjusting for the socio-demographic profile. The strongest association was noted for those reporting often/always sexual abuse (aOR = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.08–8.99) compared to never. Similarly, those who rarely/never felt loved had a doubled risk of unsupported parenting (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.48–3.05) compared to those who always felt loved. Other significant predictors included witnessing Intimate Partner Violence and physical abuse. A dose-response relationship was noted between the total ACEs score and parenting outcomes. Compared to one reporting low/no ACEs scores, a medium (1-6) or higher ( ≥7) ACEs score significantly increased the odds of unsupported parenting (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.77) and (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.28–4.08), respectively.
Conclusions
ACEs were strongly associated with unsupported parenting in a clear dose-response pattern. Sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and exposure to violence were the most influential predictors. Findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, family-centered interventions to disrupt intergenerational cycles of adversity.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Masud, Nazish; Nwaonumah, Emmanuela C.; Cowan, Logan T.; Qotineh, Amenah; Oloyede, Tobi; Hegazy, Hadeer; Uti, Christabel; and Chopak-Foss, Joanne, "Adverse Childhood Experiences as Predictors of Unsupported Parenting: Evidence from the 2022–2023 NSFG" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 44.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/44
Adverse Childhood Experiences as Predictors of Unsupported Parenting: Evidence from the 2022–2023 NSFG
Russell Union Ballroom
Background
Single-parent families have become increasingly common in the United States. Parents with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may face greater challenges in establishing stable parenting relationships. This study aimed to investigate the association between an expanded set of ACEs and unsupported parenting.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used 2022–2023 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data to examine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), assessed individually and cumulatively, and unsupported parenting (absence of a spouse/partner). Logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with p< 0.05 indicating statistical significance.
Results
Among the 3,238 participants, 709 reported unsupported parenting; most were male (n=603, 85.0%). Several ACEs demonstrated a strong association with unsupported parenting after adjusting for the socio-demographic profile. The strongest association was noted for those reporting often/always sexual abuse (aOR = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.08–8.99) compared to never. Similarly, those who rarely/never felt loved had a doubled risk of unsupported parenting (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.48–3.05) compared to those who always felt loved. Other significant predictors included witnessing Intimate Partner Violence and physical abuse. A dose-response relationship was noted between the total ACEs score and parenting outcomes. Compared to one reporting low/no ACEs scores, a medium (1-6) or higher ( ≥7) ACEs score significantly increased the odds of unsupported parenting (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.77) and (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.28–4.08), respectively.
Conclusions
ACEs were strongly associated with unsupported parenting in a clear dose-response pattern. Sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and exposure to violence were the most influential predictors. Findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, family-centered interventions to disrupt intergenerational cycles of adversity.
