The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adult Mental Health Outcomes in UK Military Veterans: A Clinical Psychology Perspective
Abstract
Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been extensively linked to poor mental health outcomes in civilian populations. However, the specific relationship between ACEs and mental health in UK military veterans remains understudied, despite this population's heightened vulnerability to psychological distress. Objective: This study examines the relationship between ACEs and adult mental health outcomes in UK military veterans from a clinical psychology perspective, investigating prevalence rates, risk factors, and potential protective mechanisms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 847 UK military veterans aged 25-65 years. Participants completed the ACEs questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple regression modeling. Results: 68.3% of participants reported at least one ACE, with 24.7% experiencing four or more ACEs. Veterans with four or more ACEs demonstrated significantly higher rates of PTSD (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.18-5.37), depression (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.94-4.31), and anxiety disorders (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.78-3.92) compared to those with no ACEs. Combat exposure moderated the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms (? = 0.23, p < 0.001). Conclusions: ACEs significantly predict adverse mental health outcomes in UK military veterans, with cumulative effects observed. These findings highlight the need for trauma-informed care approaches and early intervention strategies within military and veteran healthcare systems.
Keywords
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Military Veterans, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Clinical Psychology, UK Armed Forces
Citations
IRE Journals:
Emmanuel Onaruyi-Obasuyi "The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adult Mental Health Outcomes in UK Military Veterans: A Clinical Psychology Perspective" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 4 2025 Page 964-987 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711513-7525
IEEE:
Emmanuel Onaruyi-Obasuyi
"The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adult Mental Health Outcomes in UK Military Veterans: A Clinical Psychology Perspective" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(4) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711513-7525
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
Important Links
For Authors
Volume 8:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 7:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 6:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 5:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 4:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 3:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12