Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic or stressful events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, or other experiences that threaten a child's safety, stability, or well-being. The concept of ACEs was first introduced in a landmark study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente in the late 1990s.
The original ACEs study identified ten types of adverse experiences, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; physical and emotional neglect; and household dysfunction such as substance abuse, mental illness, divorce, or domestic violence. The study found a strong link between the number of ACEs a person had experienced and negative health outcomes later in life, including chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and social problems.
Since the original ACEs study, researchers have expanded the concept to include additional types of adverse experiences, such as racism and community violence. Understanding ACEs and their impact can help individuals, families, and communities take steps to prevent and mitigate their effects, promote resilience, and improve outcomes for children and adults who have experienced adversity.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, & Kaiser Permanente. (1995). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/index.html
https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime
