The enduring impact of adverse childhood family experiences on depressive symptoms in late adulthood: a network analysis based on CHARLS data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adverse childhood family experiences (ACFEs) have been linked to increased risk of depression in later life, but the underlying psychological pathways remain underexplored. This study employed network analysis to examine how ACFEs relate to depressive symptoms in older adults.

Methods

Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). An undirected network was estimated using items assessing ACFEs (e.g., lack of affection, harsh discipline, favoritism, physical abuse, and parental conflict), and depressive symptoms assessed via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Expected influence (EI) and bridge expected influence (BEI) were analyzed to determine central and bridge symptoms, respectively. Network stabi

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12466075 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature