Childhood Bereavement, Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences, and Flourishing among Chinese Young Adults

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Mar 6;20(5):4631. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20054631.

Abstract

Childhood bereavement (CB) resulting from a parent or primary caregiver death is associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Little is known about the association between CB and adult flourishing in the context of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs). In a cross-sectional observational study, we examined how ACEs, PCEs, and adult flourishing differs by self-reported CB history among 9468 Chinese young adults (18-35 years), of which 4.3% experienced CB (n = 409). Data collection included convenience sampling among university students in Mainland China. Respondents voluntarily completed an online survey between August and November 2020. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regressions examined frequencies and differences in ACEs, PCEs, and flourishing by the history of CB controlling for a few demographic covariates. Bereaved individuals reported significantly higher ACEs and lower PCEs. The odds of experiencing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as well as household substance abuse, parental mental illness, and parental incarceration ranged from 2.0-5.2 times higher for bereaved individuals. Bereaved participants also reported significant negative relationships with Flourishing Index (β = -0.35, t = -4.19, p < 0.001) and Secure Flourishing Index (β = -0.40, t = -4.96, p < 0.001). Consistent with previous research, our findings demonstrate the lasting effects of CB on well-being. We discuss study implications for ACEs and PCEs screening and surveillance as well as grief counseling to promote flourishing among bereaved youth in China and beyond.

Keywords: adult flourishing; adverse childhood experiences; childhood bereavement; childhood grief; positive childhood experiences.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bereavement*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • East Asian People*
  • Grief
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This study is supported by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Nursing Innovation Grant (HLDC20-13) and the Innovative Research Team of High-Level Local Universities in Shanghai (SHSMU-ZDCX20212800). The funder had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.