Maternal social support as a protective factor in the intergenerational cycle of adversity and pediatric pain: Evidence from the All Our Families cohort study

Abstract

Background: The impact of maternal adversity on children's physical health beyond early childhood, particularly pain outcomes, is largely unknown. Although preclinical studies suggest this link, no population-based cohort studies examined the association of maternal adversity and offspring pain outcomes or protective factors (e.g., social support).

Objective: To examine associations between maternal adversity and offspring pain outcomes, as well as a moderating role of maternal social support.

Participants and setting: Existing data from mothers and their children participating in an existing Canadian longitudinal pregnancy cohort, All Our Families, were used. Data were collected between May 2008 and May 2023.

Methods: Mothers reported their history of adversity and levels of social support. Children reported their pain at ages 11 and 13 years.

Results: Maternal sexual abuse experienced in childhood was associated with higher levels of children's pain interference at age 11 (b = 3.21 [1.05-5.36], p = .02). Maternal physical abuse in adulthood was associated with higher levels of children's pain interference at age 11 (b = 4.86 [1.84-7.89], p = .02) and age 13 (b = 3.87, [1.24-6.50], p = .04. Maternal social support moderated the effects of maternal physical abuse in adulthood on children's pain interference at age 11 (-5.85, [-9.76 to -1.95], p = .02). Maternal social support also moderated the effects of maternal financial abuse in adulthood on children's pain interference at age 11 (-9.28, [-15.1 to -3.45], p = .02).

Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of early screening of maternal adversity and interventions centering social support that may buffer against negative pediatric pain outcomes.

Keywords: Cohort study; Maternal adversity; Pediatric pain; Social support.