By: Lori E. Borg PhD, RN
Adverse childhood experiences referred to as “ACEs” occur in the first 18 years of an individual’s life and include exposure to various forms of child abuse, child neglect, and certain types of family dysfunction including having a household member with a mental illness or incarcerated. In the United States, 61% of adults have experienced at least one ACE, and 16% have experienced 4 or more ACEs. Women and several racial and ethnic minority groups are at greater risk for experiencing a higher number of ACEs.
ACEs are common and research suggests that a history of one or more ACEs may increase an individual’s risk of developing certain mental and physical disorders throughout their lifetime. ACEs have been associated with increased risk of depression, drug addiction, obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, autoimmune disease and even premature death.
Risk factors for ACEs include having a parent with a history of trauma, living in a family with high stress, living in a community with high rates of violence, unstable housing, limited educational and employment opportunities, living in poverty, being a member of certain minority groups, and suffering from individual and systemic racism.
Despite the far-reaching effects of ACEs, there are certain factors that can protect an individual from the negative consequences of ACEs. Protective factors include strong social support, resilience and positive events in childhood. The consistent, loving presence of a parent, teacher, mentor, friends all serve to protect individuals from ACEs. An understanding of ACEs underscores the importance of how as a society we need to focus on how to ensure that all families with young children have the resources and support that they need.
References:
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