Table 4.

Key Findings.

ACEs are associated with a wide range of negative mental and physical health and substance use outcomes among SMW. Evidence linking ACEs and health risk behaviors, health-related attitudes, and outcomes among SMW is somewhat mixed. Findings related to sexual identity differences is also somewhat mixed. There are significant issues in current literature that limit understanding of ACEs and health outcomes among SMW—and that likely account for some of the mixed findings. There is a lack of research on ACEs and health among SMW using large probability samples, in addition to studies that examine differences across race/ethnicity or sexual identity subgroups. Additionally, future studies should aim to ensure that samples include older adults and investigate associations across the lifespan.

Note. ACEs = adverse childhood experiences; SMW = sexual minority women.