Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and How They May be Affecting Your Adult Life

Our experiences are constantly shaping who we are, so it’s no surprise that our history can hold the keys to factors such as attachment styles, beliefs, behaviour patterns and tendencies, personality traits and coping mechanisms (or lack thereof). Throughout childhood, we learn different styles of communication, develop personal values, learn how to express emotions and conflict resolution within our family system. Depending on the type of environment you grew up in, including your parent’s parenting styles, socioeconomic status, culture etc., you would have a unique upbringing that looked either extremely different or somewhat like those around you. So, what are ACEs?

These experiences are quite common and can include physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse, physical and/or emotional neglect and household dysfunction such as mental illness, substance abuse, divorce, incarceration, or caregivers having a history of abuse themselves. ACEs can potentially impact future violence victimization and perpetration, relationships, addictions, self-esteem, and lifelong opportunities. The list goes on and on.

According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, the rougher your childhood, the higher your score is likely to be and the higher your risk for future mental/physical challenges become. Just because you have a high ACE score, however, does not necessarily mean you are doomed to repeat the same experiences. ACE scores do not take the positive experiences in early life into consideration, that can help build resilience and protect a child from the effects of these traumatic life experiences.

Are you curious about the connection between your ACE score and some of your current problems you find yourself facing as an adult? This is something you can also explore on your own or with your therapist.

Click this link to complete the short and free questionnaire to find out your ACE score.

If you are interested in learning more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, click this link to complete free ACE training.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 2). Adverse childhood experiences (aces). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 25, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html.

Starecheski, L. (2015, March 2). [web log]. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean.

What are aces? and how do they relate to toxic stress?Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2020, October 30). Retrieved November 25, 2021, from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/aces-and-toxic-stress-frequently-asked-questions/.