The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Sexual Well-being among Youth Formerly in the Foster Care System

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of broad and singular measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and severity of sexual abuse on sexual well-being among youth formerly in the foster care system (YFFC). Divorce, alcohol/drug use within the home, the presence of mental illness or a family member suicide attempt, and sexual abuse severity increased odds of negative sexual outcomes and predicted lower sexual well-being. ACE levels negatively impacted outcomes but positively impacted sexual well-being. Research must move beyond summative ACE measures to examine the impact of types of ACEs and sexual abuse severity on sexual well-being and sexual health outcomes for YFFC.