The Center for Collaborative Study of Trauma, Health Equity, and Neurobiology
GLOSSARY
ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences
The relationship of TRAUMA in childhood to the occurrence of illness or suffering later in life has been recognized throughout human history.
In 1998, a landmark epidemiologic study (“The ACE’s Study”) was published jointly by the US CDC and Kaiser Permanente. This very large study
documented a DOSE-RESPONSE relationship between 10 types of childhood adversity and later illness or life difficulties.
DOSE-RESPONSE relationship means that more of something (adversity) is a bigger "DOSE" and results in more harm (Dysregulation).
The ACEs Study has been replicated in over 100 subsequent research studies.
Over time, the recognized types of adversity have been expanded to include STRUCTURAL and HISTORICAL TRAUMA and challenges such as experiencing discrimination/racism, poverty, food scarcity, homelessness and more.
RESOURCES
- US Center for Disease Control (CDC) Office of Violence Prevention online resource library about ACEs: Fast Facts, Statistics, Prevention Strategies,
- Felitti VJ, Anda RF, et.al. Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Deaths in Adults. 1998. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
- PACES CONNECTION. An online community of professionals, activists, and journalists active in providing information about trauma-informed, resilience-building practices. Daily digest of news, research, and events.