Childhood Adversity and Illness Appraisals as Predictors of Health Anxiety in Emerging Adults with a Chronic Illness

Abstract

Emerging adults with a chronic medical condition (CMC) are at increased risk for developing health anxiety (HA). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to developing HA. CMCs and ACEs frequently co-occur among emerging adults. However, no known research has examined ACEs and HA within this critical developmental period. Further, increased negative illness appraisals (e.g., uncertainty, intrusivness) may partially explain the relation between ACEs and HA. The present study examined the following mediation model: ACEs → illness appraisals → HA. Emerging adults (N = 121) with a CMC completed self-report measures of demographics, ACEs, illness appraisals, and HA. Regression analyses were conducted to test each illness appraisal as a mediator between ACEs and HA. Results demonstrated significant indirect effects for both illness appraisals. Findings demonstrate greater ACEs may increase negative illness appraisals which heightens overall HA. Thus, these associations support trauma-informed care approaches to support emerging adults.

Keywords: Early adverse experiences; Emerging adulthood; Health anxiety; Illness appraisals.