Table 1 Description of variables and data sources used to derive binary measures of adolescent ACEs
From: The validity of the residuals approach to measuring resilience to adverse childhood experiences
ACE | Description | Data Source |
|---|---|---|
Bullying | Five variables on frequency someone threatened/blackmailed, told lies about, put down, upset, peer pressured teenager | Teen Focus Research clinic at 12.5years and 15.5years. Child completed questionnaire 16years |
Emotional abuse | Four variables asking if parent or partner has been emotionally cruel to the study child | Mother and partner completed questionnaires at 11years 2months |
Emotional neglect | 17 variables asking a range of questions on interactions with parent/carers | Teen Focus Research clinic at 12.5years, 13.5years and 15.5years. Child based and child completed questionnaires 16years |
Financial difficulties | Six variables on homelessness and inability to pay for food/heating | Mother and partner completed questionnaires at 11years 2months |
Parent mental health problems or suicide attempt | 14 variables on diagnosed mental health problems, suicide attempts, self harm, and medication for anxiety or depression | Mother, partner and child completed questionnaires at 11years 2months, 12years 1month and 16years |
Neighbourhood satisfaction | Four variables of neighbourhood satisfaction | Teen Focus research clinic at 15.5years and child completed questionnaire at 14years |
Parent child bond | Three variables measuring how close the partner or mother feels to the study child and a clinic-based measurement of adult/child harmonious interactions | Teen Focus research clinic at 12.5years. Mother and partner completed questionnaires at 12years 1month |
Parent convicted offence | Four variables on whether parent or carer convicted of offence | Mother and partner completed questionnaires at 11years 2months and 12years 1month |
Parental separation | Six variables on whether parents had divorced or separated | Mother, partner, and child completed questionnaires at 11years 2months and 16years |
Physical abuse | Four variables asking if parent or partner has been physically cruel to the study child | Mother and partner completed questionnaires at 11years 2months |
Social support—child | Eight variables on number of close friends and satisfaction with friendships | Teen Focus Research clinic at 12.5years, 13.5years and 15.5years |
Social support—parent | Two variables on whether the parent has anybody to share feelings with | Mother and partner completed questionnaires at 12years 1month |
Household substance abuse | One variable asking if respondent has ever had a drug addiction | Partner completed questionnaire at 11years 2months |
Violence between child and partner | Six variables on violence in a romantic relationship | Teen Focus research clinic at 13.5years |
Violence between parents | Two variables on physical cruelty between parents | Mother and partner completed questionnaires at 11years 2months |