Poster #38

Examining Factors Linking Adverse Childhood Experiences to Mental Health and Social Exclusion Among African Immigrants

By: Sherinah Saasa and Tenesha Littleton

 
Examining Factors Linking Adverse Childhood Experiences to Mental Health and Social Exclusion Among African Immigrants
 
 

Abstract:

The deleterious and cumulative effects of childhood adversity across development have been well documented. Research indicates that black African immigrants are at increased risk for discrimination and negative integration outcomes compared to other immigrant groups in the United States. However, few studies examine African immigrant wellbeing. The present study sought to test direct and indirect pathways through which ACEs transmit their influence over the life course to impair mental health and socio-economic outcomes among African immigrants in the U.S (N = 597). We draw upon developmental and minority stress frameworks to explore processes through which childhood adversity impacts life trajectories. Path analyses were conducted to test discrimination and acculturative stress as mediating mechanisms linking ACEs to mental health symptoms and social exclusion, as well as explore social support and self-esteem as moderators buffering the negative effects of ACEs on the outcomes. Results showed significant direct and indirect effects of ACEs on mental health, and social-cultural, structural, and economic exclusion p <.01). We found that discrimination and acculturative stress operated as pathways linking ACEs to the negative outcomes, while social support and self-esteem buffered against mental health distress and social exclusion (p <.05). Findings suggest a need for trauma-informed and culturally sensitive responses in efforts to promote African immigrant wellbeing.

 
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Biography:

Sherinah Saasa has extensive research and clinical experience working with marginalized and immigrant populations in community-based and mental health settings. Her research broadly focuses on exclusionary mechanisms and factors that facilitate negative socio-economic and health outcomes for Black immigrants in the United States, and disadvantaged children in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr Saasa’s work also emphasizes culturally competent practice when working with immigrant and diverse populations. Dr. Saasa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly a decade of clinical experience. She earned her Doctorate in Philosophy from the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia. To build understanding of lived experiences, scope of disadvantage and service needs, Dr. Saasa utilizes quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Her training, practice and teaching emphasize the role of context and social environments on life quality and wellbeing across the life course.