Childhood should be a carefree time full of learning and joy. However, many children aren’t that lucky and grow up in homes that are dysfunctional and abusive. These encounters are known as adverse childhood experiences and change the future of the child forever.
One question that burns in the minds of many survivors and researchers alike is how do positive childhood experiences (PCEs) come into play? Can positive childhood experiences help an abused child cope in some way?
This article will reintroduce ACEs and introduce the concept of PCEs.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
Adverse childhood experiences are traumatic events that happen in childhood between the ages of 0-17 years. Some examples of ACEs are below.
- Experiencing violence, neglect, or abuse
- Witnessing violence in the home or community
- Having a family member attempt to die by suicide
- Growing up in a home with substance abuse problems
- Growing up in a home where one or both parents have a serious mental health problem
- Living in a home where there is parental separation
- Living in a home where a household member is in jail or prison
The above list is only a partial list of the negative events that many children face.
Adverse childhood experiences are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and impact education achievements, job capabilities, and earning potential in adult survivors.
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