The Original ACE Study

Data from the original Adverse Childhood Experiences study first emerged in the late 1990s. The study was led by researchers named Dr Vincent Felitti and Dr Robert Anda

They surveyed more than 17,000 adults between 1995 and 1997. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) longitudinal study was ground-breaking, linking childhood adversity (traditionally treated through the 'soft' sciences of community-based prevention and child welfare) to chronic health problems later in life (generally treated through medically-based approaches) The study was a compelling intersection of research across disciplines to show the magnitude of cause and effect of early adversity and unbuffered, sustained toxic stress

There are 10 recognized ACEs falling into three types. The ACE score is the total sum of the different categories of ACEs reported by participants:

Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)

Incarcerated relative

Neglect (physical, emotional)

Mother treated violently

Household dysfunction

Substance abuse

Mental Illness

Divorce/separation

Initial ACE Study Findings:

At the time of the first study, the key findings were alarming:

Two thirds (639%) of participants reporting one or more ACEs

1 in 8 (125% reported having 4 or more ACEs

The most commonly reported ACEs were physical abuse (283%), substance abuse by a household member (269%), and parental separation or divorce (233%)

Adverse Childhood Experience Facts:

The 10-question, ACE Screening Tool is a survey about experiences during the first 18 years of life

Traditionally ACEs are potentially traumatic experiences that can have a profound effect on a child's developing brain and body with lasting impacts

ACEs are common (two-thirds of us have at least one ACE)

ACEs occur in clusters (one in eight people reported having four or more ACEs).

ACEs have lasting effects on health and well-being, as well as other economic and societal impacts.

The study revealed that a person with four or more ACEs is:

22 times as likely to attempt suicide

103 times as likely to inject drugs

74 times as likely to be an alcoholic

Notably, the clear majority of the participants were white (748%) and had attained a college-level education or higher (75.2%).