Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Impact on the Development of Abnormal Behavior: A Systematic Review
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Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have become a central focus in psychology, psychiatry, and public health due to their profound and lasting impacts on emotional and behavioral well-being. This systematic review examines the association between ACEs and abnormal behavior, emphasizing internalizing outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, alongside externalizing outcomes including aggression, hyperactivity, and antisocial tendencies. Drawing evidence from ninety-eight studies conducted across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa, the review pays particular attention to African contexts, where heritage connections, communal belonging, and spiritual practices are integral to trauma recovery.
Across diverse settings, findings consistently indicate that the number and severity of ACEs are strongly linked with the emergence of abnormal behavioral patterns. Gender-specific differences were evident, with females exhibiting higher internalizing outcomes and males displaying more externalizing behaviors. In African settings, traditional rituals, spiritual practices, and communal belonging served as key mediators mitigating the long-term impacts of trauma and fostering resilience.
The review underscores the urgent need for trauma-informed and culturally sensitive interventions that integrate heritage, spirituality, and community. It highlights critical research gaps, including the scarcity of long-term, heritage-centered, and gender-inclusive studies. By aligning clinical and communal recovery strategies, sustainable pathways can be established to disrupt intergenerational cycles of trauma and nurture resilience within African communities and beyond.
Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences; abnormal behavior; trauma recovery; resilience; heritage connections; communal belonging; gender differences; Africa; spirituality; systematic review.
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