Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Previous studies in western populations have found consistent relationships between adverse childhood experiences and the development of mood and anxiety disorders, especially depressive symptoms in adolescence and adulthood. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This study used a longitudinal design and analytic method to model depressive symptom trajectories from 2011 to 2018 among the middle-aged and elderly in China. This study also investigated the association between adverse childhood experiences and adulthood depressive symptoms in the Chinese population. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Future public policy could consider early prevention and intervention on adverse childhood experiences to prevent adult depressive symptoms. Besides, it is essential to create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children's development.