ACEs and counter-ACEs: How positive and negative childhood experiences influence adult health. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crandall, AliceAnn; Miller, Jacob R.; Cheung, Aaron; Novilla, Lynneth Kirsten; Glade, Rozalyn; Novilla, M. Lelinneth B.; Magnusson, Brianna M.; Leavitt, Barbara L.; Barnes, Michael D.; Hanson, Carl L.
• Is Part Of: Child abuse & neglect. Volume 96(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Childhood -- Adversity -- Physical health -- Mental health -- Resilience; Child abuse -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-2134

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Numerous studies over the past two decades have found a link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and worse adult health outcomes. Less well understood is how advantageous childhood experiences (counter-ACEs) may lead to better adult health, especially in the presence of adversity. Objective: To examine how counter-ACEs and ACEs affect adult physical and mental health using Resiliency Theory as the theoretical framework. Participants and setting: Participants were Amazon mTurk users ages 19–57 years ( N = 246; 42% female) who completed an online survey. Methods: We conducted a series of regression analyses to examine how counter-ACEs and ACEs predicted adult health. Results: Corresponding to the Compensatory Model of Resiliency Theory, higher counter-ACEs scores were associated with improved adult health and that counter-ACEs neutralized the negative impact of ACEs on adult health. Contrary to the Protective Factors Model, there was a stronger relationship between ACEs and worse adult health among those with above average counter-ACEs scores compared to those with below average counter-ACEs scores. Consistent with the Challenge Model, counter-ACEs had a reduced positive effect on adult health among those with four or more ACEs compared to those with fewer than four ACEs. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that counter-ACEs protect against poor adult health and lead to better adult wellness. When ACEs scores are moderate, counter-ACEs largely neutralize the negative effects of ACEs on adult health. Ultimately, the results demonstrate that a public health approach to promoting positive childhood experiences may promote better lifelong health.