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What are ACEs in Trauma?

  • Writer: Katherine Mackenzie
    Katherine Mackenzie
  • Nov 12, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: 7 days ago


Understanding ACEs: How Childhood Experiences Shape Long- Term Health Outcomes


ACEs acronym stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences which are are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood (before age 18).


These experiences can have profound and lasting effects on an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.



What Are ACEs?


The original ACE Study, conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, identified ten categories of childhood adversity:


  1. Physical abuse

  2. Emotional abuse

  3. Sexual abuse

  4. Physical neglect

  5. Emotional neglect

  6. Witnessing domestic violence

  7. Household substance abuse

  8. Household mental illness

  9. Parental separation or divorce

  10. Incarcerated household member​


Each affirmative response to these categories contributes one point to an individual's ACE score, ranging from 0 to 10. This score reflects the cumulative burden of childhood stressors.​



Why ACEs Matter


Research from the ACE Study revealed a strong correlation between higher ACE scores and increased risk for various health issues:


  • Individuals with an ACE score of 4 are twice as likely to smoke and seven times more likely to be alcoholic compared to those with a score of 0.


  • An ACE score of 6 or higher is associated with a 20-year reduction in life expectancy.


  • Higher ACE scores correlate with increased risks of heart disease, cancer, chronic bronchitis, and mental health disorders.​



These findings underscore the significant impact of early life stress on long-term health outcomes.​



The Prevalence of ACEs


ACEs are more common than often assumed:​


  • Approximately 64% of people have at least one ACE.

  • About 12% have an ACE score of 4 or more.​


These statistics highlight the widespread nature of childhood adversity and its potential implications for public health.



Moving Forward: Building Resilience


While the effects of ACEs can be profound, they are not destiny. Protective factors and interventions can mitigate their impact:​


  • Supportive relationships with caregivers and peers.

  • Access to mental health services.

  • Community programs that foster safe and nurturing environments.​


Understanding one's ACE score can be a first step toward healing and building resilience.​



Learn More


To assess your ACE score and explore resources for support, visit ACEs Too High. This platform offers comprehensive information on ACEs and strategies for fostering resilience and recovery.


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