Parents With Adverse Childhood Experiences: Exploring Buffering Effects Of A Brief Couple Intervention

Abstract

Adults with Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) report greater relational distress and lower relationship satisfaction. Enhanced risk amongst those with ACEs may be due to increased stress sensitization. The transition to parenthood (and years thereafter) is therefore an important window for intervention. The ‘Love Together, Parent Together’ (L2P2) program was designed to support couples by teaching conflict reappraisal strategies. The current study used piecewise growth curve modelling to assess whether participation in L2P2 buffers against the risk of ACEs in the prediction of parent mental health and relationship quality, respectively. One hundred forty couples (N = 280) were recruited to participate. ACEs did not predict weekly changes in relational or psychological outcomes in our sample, nor did the effectiveness of L2P2 differ as a function of ACEs. This study furthers our understanding of the complex relationship between ACEs, parents’ mental health, and relationship quality.