Year of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Arts (MA)
Degree Name
School Psychology
Department or School/College
Psychology
Committee Chair
Jacqueline Brown, Ph.D
Commitee Members
Bryan Cochran, Ph.D., Shannon Lollar, Ph.D., LCPC
Keywords
trauma, alcohol, gender, perception, ACEs
Subject Categories
School Psychology
Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been consistently linked to alcohol misuse across the lifespan; however, little research has examined how individuals’ perceptions of these experiences contribute to risky drinking behaviors. The present study investigated the associations among ACEs, perceived traumatic impact of childhood adversity, gender identity, and alcohol use among 211 undergraduate students ages 18 to 25 at the University of Montana (Missoula). Participants completed measures assessing ACE exposure, perceived trauma impact, depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), adult adverse experiences, and alcohol use (AUDIT). ACE scores significantly predicted higher AUDIT scores in an unadjusted model; however, this relationship was no longer significant after controlling for depressive symptoms, adult trauma exposure, and access to mental health services. Perceived trauma impact similarly predicted AUDIT scores in an unadjusted model but did not remain significant after controlling for ACEs and covariates. Binary gender identity did not account for significant variance in AUDIT scores after controlling for ACEs and covariates. Gender diversity accounted for a small, trend-level increase in risky drinking, suggesting potential elevated risk among gender-diverse students, though interpretation is limited by the small number of gender-diverse participants. Across all models, depressive symptoms emerged as the most consistent predictor of risky drinking amongst emerging adults. These findings suggest that although ACEs and perceived trauma are associated with risky alcohol use, their effects may be explained or mediated by co-occurring depressive symptoms. Implications for college mental health services and trauma-informed prevention efforts are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Ward, Caitlin M., "How Perceptions of Trauma Impact the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Events and Drinking Habits of College Students" (2025). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12588.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12588
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© Copyright 2025 Caitlin M. Ward