The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Socioeconomic Status in Adulthood: A Scoping Review

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been linked to socioeconomic disadvantages, yet no comprehensive synthesis has systematically summarized this association. This study conducted a scoping review on ACEs and adult socioeconomic outcomes, mapping existing research, identifying key gaps, and highlighting directions for future research, practice, and policy. Seven databases were searched: PubMed, APA PsycArticles (EBSCOhost platform), APA PsycInfo (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Social Services Abstracts (ProQuest platform), Social Work Abstracts (ProQuest), and Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest). Additionally, Google Scholar and reference check were also used to identify additional articles. Inclusion criteria were: (1) English language; (2) peer-reviewed articles; (3) use of a cumulative measure of at least four ACEs; (4) examination of ACEs’ effects on education, employment, or income in adulthood. Thirty-five articles met inclusion criteria. Findings of the review indicated that individuals with higher ACEs were more likely to experience unemployment, work disability, and poverty in adulthood. Exposure to multiple ACEs was also associated with lower high school and college completion rates. Moreover, health-related factors, along with variables such as gender, were found to mediate or moderate the relationship between ACEs and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood. Cumulative ACEs substantially undermine educational attainment, employment stability, and income levels, perpetuating cycles of poverty and economic disadvantage across the life course. Implications for research, practice, and policy were discussed in the study.