A decade ago, I was introduced to one of the largest studies on the health impacts of childhood adversity. The Centers for Disease Control-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study was conducted in the late 1990s and identified how traumatic events in childhood could impact health and well-being into adulthood. Research revealed ACEs were common and increased the risks for poor health and public health outcomes.
Initially I felt somewhat powerless in this knowledge. The data made sense. I had observed the unhealthy outcomes. Yet now that we know, what can we do? How do we address ACEs to decrease their impact? Others had similar questions.
As our understanding of the harm caused by ACEs has evolved, so have efforts to build resilience for our children, families and communities. In public health and prevention, we know that increasing protective factors decreases risk factors. The latest research recognizes that ACEs can be prevented. Yet even when they’re not prevented, there is hope in the science of positive experiences.
