ACE Study-Adverse Childhood Experiences & Health

We have all had difficult moments in childhood, some more than others. What happens when events turn from difficult moments to damaging developmental experiences?

The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) Study investigates the link between childhood trauma and later in life health and general well-being. The original CDC-Kaiser Permanente study found that the higher a person's ACE score, the greater the risk for chronic health issues, mental illness, and social/relational problems as adults. These findings established a significant evidentiary connection between early adversity and the negative long-term outcomes of consistent toxic stress. The research since this study is astounding and only further provide evidence that chronic childhood trauma and chronic adult physical and mental issues are linked.

Below you can find the original ACE questionnaire. For every yes, you enter 1, and tally the score after. If you were ever curious about your childhood experiences, this is a good assessment to provide you with some clarity. Not to worry if more is tallied than you expected. ACEs are common. About 64% of adults in the United States reported they had experienced at least one type of ACE before age 18. Nearly one in six (17.3%) adults reported they had experienced four or more types of ACEs as reported by the CDC in a 2024 study. Three in four high school students reported experiencing one or more ACEs, and one in five experienced four or more ACEs. ACEs that were most common among high school students were emotional abuse, physical abuse, and living in a household affected by poor mental health or substance abuse.

And as always, if you are in interested in working together, please do reach out to me.

Warmly,

Kristen

Finding Your ACE Score

While you were growing up, during your first 18 years of life:

1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… 

Swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you?

or

Act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?

Yes          No  

If yes enter 1 ________      

2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… 

Push, grab, slap, or throw something at you?

or

Ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?

Yes          No        

If yes enter 1 ________

3. Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever…

Touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way?

or

Attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?

Yes        No                

If yes enter 1 ________

4. Did you often or very often feel that …

No one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special?

or

Your family didn’t look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?

Yes           No                      

 If yes enter 1 ________

5. Did you often or very often feel that …

You didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you?

or         

Your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?

Yes           No

If yes enter 1 ________

6. Were your parents ever separated or divorced?

Yes           No           

If yes enter 1 ________

7. Was your mother or stepmother:

Often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her?

or

Sometimes, often, or very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard?

or

Ever repeatedly hit at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife?

Yes         No           

If yes enter 1 ________

8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic or who used street drugs?

Yes          No           

If yes enter 1 ________

9. Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?

Yes          No           

10. Did a household member go to prison?

Yes          No           

If yes enter 1 ________

Now add up your “Yes” answers: _______ This is your ACE Score.

Adapted from: http://www.acestudy.org/files/ACE_Score_Calculator.pdf,   092406RA4CR

To read the study itself: 10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8