ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACEs)
“The initial trauma of a young child may go underground but it will return to haunt us”- James Garbarino
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events or environments that occur in childhood ( before the age of 18). Research has shown that these experiences, which include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, domestic violence, and parental separation, among others, have long-lasting negative effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
The original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente between 1995 and 1997. The study involved over 17,000 adult participants. The findings were published in the late 1990s and early 2000s, leading to widespread recognition of the long-term effects of childhood trauma on health and well-being.
The study revealed that adverse childhood experiences are very common and can have profound and long term effects on people’s lives. The study found that two-thirds of the participants had experienced at least one ACE, and more than one in five reported three or more. It also showed that the more the ACEs increased, the more the likelihood of adverse outcomes into adulthood for individuals.
ACEs and mental health
One of the most well-documented effects of ACEs is their strong association with mental health problems. Individuals exposed to ACEs are at a significantly higher risk of developing conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorders. This association is as a result of neurobiology and the brain’s response to chronic stress especially in early life.
When children experience adversity, their developing system becomes overwhelmed by stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline . Prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can then disorganize their brain’s development, especially in the areas responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This can lead to difficulties in managing emotions, heightened sensitivity to stress, and an increased likelihood of mental health disorders later in life.
ACEs can also undermine a child’s ability to form secure attachments with caregivers. Without these stable, nurturing relationships, children may struggle to develop healthy emotional regulation skills and social connections. The decreased ability to form secure attachment is another risk factor for developing mental health issues, as it impairs the ability to form trusting relationships, manage stress, handle life challenges effectiently.
The effect of ACEs was summarized most profoundly with this quote by Azia Archer “ …severe early childhood trauma creates a child with equally intense coping mechanisms. These children are often seen as ‘mature’ for their age and as ‘old souls’ …but the fact is that their innocence was taken away at an early age and they are in a survival mode.”
ACEs and physical health
In addition to the psychological impact, ACEs are linked to numerous physical health problems. The original ACE study showed that individuals with a higher number of ACEs were more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity. This connection arises from the biological effects of chronic stress and the coping behaviors individuals may adopt as stress responses.
Chronic stress has a direct impact on the body’s immune and endocrine systems. Persistent activation of the body’s stress response can lead to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and damage to vital organs over time. For example, elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which are released during stressful events, can raise blood pressure, damage the cardiovascular system, and contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
ACEs and harmful behaviours
Additionally, people who have experienced ACEs may engage in harmful behaviors as coping mechanisms. Smoking, overeating, drug and alcohol abuse, and lack of physical activity are all more common in individuals with a history of adverse childhood experiences . These behaviors further exacerbate the risk of chronic diseases and can lead to premature death. Further research has revealed that individuals with four or more ACEs have their average life expectancy reduced by about 20 years shorter compared to those without ACEs.
ACES and socioeconomics
ACEs also influence a person’s social, educational, and economic development. Children who grow up in unstable or abusive environments are more likely to struggle in school, display behavioral problems, and have lower academic achievement. These educational challenges can limit their future opportunities, increasing the likelihood of unemployment, poverty, and involvement in the crime.
People with ACEs may also have trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships as adults. They are more likely to experience difficulties forming intimate relationships and bonds. This usually results in higher rates of domestic violence, divorce, and unstable family environments. Individuals with unresolved trauma may inadvertently pass on harmful patterns of behavior to their own children.
The way forward
While the negative effects of ACEs are far-reaching, they are not insurmountable. Research shows that early intervention and supportive environments can mitigate the impact of early life trauma. Building resilience in children, fostering strong relationships, and providing access to mental health services are key strategies in reducing the harmful effects of ACEs.
Preventing ACEs from occurring in the first place is crucial however where they have already occurred, benevolent childhood experiences have been known to counteract the effect. Community-based programs supporting families, such as parenting classes, mental health services and poverty alleviation efforts, can help increase these benevolent childhood experiences and mitigate the prevalence of ACEs . Also policies that protect children from abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction are vital for safeguarding their well-being.
For individuals who have already experienced ACEs, trauma-informed care can make a significant difference in healing and recovery. Mental health professionals trained in trauma-informed practices focusing on creating safe, supportive environments that promote healing and restoration are needful. These mental health professionals emphasize the long-term effects of ACEs on one hand and teach resilience- building skill and healthy coping mechanisms for victims of ACEs.
Though adverse childhood experiences have far-reaching implications that extend into adulthood, the cycle can be broken by improving childhood experiences and creating a more resilient, compassionate population.
People with ACEs may also have trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships as adults. They are more likely to experience difficulties forming intimate relationships and bonds. This usually results in higher rates of domestic violence, divorce, and unstable family environments. Individuals with unresolved trauma may inadvertently pass on harmful patterns of behavior to their own children.
Chiadi Ndu, PhD
