Understanding ACES
What does ACE stand for?
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Name one type of abuse measured in ACE studies
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
What is one physical health risk associated with high ACE scores?
Heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders
What is resilience?
The ability to recover or adapt positively despite adversity
True or False: ACEs can only be prevented at the individual level.
False: ACE prevention involves individual, family, community, and policy levels.
How many types of ACEs are typically measured in the original ACE study?
10 types
What are some examples of household dysfunction included in ACEs?
parental substance abuse, incarceration, or domestic violence
How can ACEs influence mental health?
They increase the risk for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.
Name one protective factor that can help mitigate the effects of ACEs.
Supportive relationships, access to mental health care, or positive school experiences
What is one way communities can help prevent ACEs?
Providing family support services, educational programs, or safe recreational spaces for children
What are the three broad categories of ACEs?
Abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction
True or False: Financial hardship is considered an ACE
False: While it’s stressful, it’s not part of the traditional ACE categories
What is the relationship between ACEs and substance use?
Higher ACE scores are linked to increased likelihood of substance use as a coping mechanism.
True or False: Resilience factors can completely erase the effects of ACEs.
False: They can help, but ACEs may still have lasting impacts
How can schools contribute to preventing ACE-related trauma?
Implementing anti-bullying programs and providing mental health resources
What is the ACE score, and how is it calculated?
The ACE score is a total count of individual adverse experiences before age 18, ranging from 0 to 10.
What kind of neglect is included in ACEs?
Emotional and physical neglect
True or False: ACEs can affect life expectancy.
True: Studies show a correlation between high ACE scores and shorter lifespan
How can therapy help individuals with high ACE scores?
Therapy provides coping strategies and emotional support, helping individuals process trauma
What role does early intervention play in ACEs?
Early intervention can reduce the severity of long-term impacts and help build coping skills.
True or False: ACEs only affect mental health outcomes
False: ACEs affect both mental and physical health.
What is an example of emotional abuse as an ACE?
Repeated belittling, humiliation, or verbal harm by a caregiver
Why might someone with high ACEs struggle with self-esteem?
Adverse experiences, especially neglect or abuse, can impact a person’s self-worth and confidence
What type of therapy is commonly used to address trauma from ACEs?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
What is one policy change that could reduce ACEs?
Increased funding for mental health resources or child welfare support