ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. ACEs account for childhood adversities ranging from abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. In the early 1900s, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the health care provider, Kaiser Permanente, conducted a study to determine the effects of ACEs on overall health. The original study was comprised of over 17,000 participants from all different demographic backgrounds. They had participants complete the ACE questionnaire to determine childhood adversities and compared their ACE score to their reported health issues across the lifespan.
If you'd like to view the ACE questionnaire, you can do a quick search online. I did not attach it to this post due to the nature of the questions which may be triggering if you have experienced any childhood adversity. Please do not search for the questionnaire if you are not in a healthy brain space or do not have a healthcare professional or support person to turn to if you are triggered.
Results of the study showed that at least two-thirds of the participants endorsed at least one ACE and more than one in five participants endorsed 3 or more. The consensus of the study was that as ACE scores increased, so did health issues. The health issues that were identified throughout the study included medical issues, mental health disorders, substance abuse, behavioral issues, obesity, suicide rates, quality of life, etc.
This study did not account for other factors such as genetics, diet, behavioral choices, time spent receiving counseling, social support, exercise, etc. While the ACE study has been peer-reviewed and the results are believed to be sound, it's important to note that this message is not to inflict stress or worry on individuals who experienced childhood adversity. Instead, the aim of the study was to emphasize the importance of both preventative and protective measures. As adults, learning about the effects of ACEs, preventative measures cannot be taken, however protective measures can drastically reduce the health risks associated with ACE scores.
Below are some examples of protective measures that can drastically improve the impact ACEs have on overall health.
Protective Measures:
Going to see a counselor
Eating healthy
Exercising regularly
Surrounding yourself with a support system
Spending time outdoors
Abstaining from unhealthy forms of coping such as substance use
Maintaining a positive mindset
Having a healthy work-life balance
If you feel that your adverse childhood experiences are affecting your overall health and wellbeing, it's never too late to speak to a professional mental health provider. I work with adults ages 25 and up who experienced trauma in childhood and there is always healing to be done at any age.
If you are curious about therapy, you can reference a previous blog post I created on the topic. I shared resources and tips for finding the right therapist. Click the link below for blog post.
National Center for Injury and Protection and Control, Division of Violence Prevention (2021) About the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html
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