Examining Racial Differences in Internalizing and Externalizing Diagnoses for Children Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences

This study examines how racial disparities and ACEs contribute to childhood diagnoses of internalizing and externalizing disorders. Using data from the 2017 National Survey of Children ’s Health, racial disparities in internalizing (i.e., depression, anxiety) and externalizing (i.e., behavioral/conduct problems) mental health diagnoses were analyzed using logistic regression. ACE score was a significant predictor of all three diagnoses and presented a dose–response relationshi p. Race was also found to be a significant predictor of diagnoses, as Black children were less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression and more likely to be diagnosed with behavioral problems. Moreover, when examining racial disparities in mental health diagnoses by ACE score, the present study found that the severity of these disparities increased at higher ACE scores. Our study demonstrates that while ACEs are harmful for all children, providers’ identification of internalizing and externalizing disorders appears to occur differentially based on the race of the child they diagnos e. These findings yield important insights about potential bias among healthcare providers, educators, and clinical social workers and warrant further research, training for professionals, and culturally responsive interventions. As such, we call on clinical social workers to lead the effort to ad dress racial disparities within mental health services.
Source: Clinical Social Work Journal - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research