What are ACES

In 1998, a US not-for-profit healthcare consortium – Kaiser Permanente published the results of its Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, a joint research project with the Centers for Disease Control. This study featured more than 18,000 adults and examined the connection between negative early experiences and adult health outcomes.  The study found that exposure to intense childhood stress was related to physical, behavioural and social problems in adulthood.  ACEs include:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Physical neglect
• Emotional neglect
• Intimate partner violence
• Mother treated violently
• Substance misuse within household
• Household mental illness
• Parental separation or divorce
• Incarcerated household member

They can result in negative affective states (e.g., anger, fear, loss, guilt, and shame) and cognitive effects (e.g., negative schemas, and self-blame) that all prevent these young people from living their best lives.  Individuals who have experienced ACES are at risk for substance abuse, high-risk sexual activities, relationship problems etc.  They are also at risk for specific psychological problems such as major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and suicidal ideation etc.