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The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsequent Health Complaints in Elite Athletes

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Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to myriad health concerns. There is a dearth of research exploring the association of ACEs and health among athletes. Elite athletes are an important population to explore the associations between adversity and health because athletes engage in frequent exercise, which may be associated with resilience. In this study, athletes (N = 304) completed questionnaires about ACEs, somatization, and alcohol and drug use. Researchers utilized objective healthcare data, including medication use, athletic injury, and treatment. Logistic regressions revealed that athletes who self-reported multiple ACEs were at increased risk for self-reported physical health symptoms, alcohol use, and prescription medication use. These findings indicated athletes may not be immune to the negative health effects of childhood adversity.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the Athletics Department at The University of Tulsa for their cooperation and assistance with this research, particularly the athletes who took time out of already busy schedules to complete measures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, The University of Tulsa, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA

    Emily Kaier, Lisa DeMarni Cromer & Joanne L. Davis

  2. School of Nursing, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA

    Kathleen Strunk

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  1. Emily Kaier
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  2. Lisa DeMarni Cromer
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  4. Kathleen Strunk
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Correspondence to Emily Kaier.

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Kaier, E., Cromer, L.D., Davis, J.L. et al. The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsequent Health Complaints in Elite Athletes. Journ Child Adol Trauma 8, 83–92 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-015-0041-4

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