Question about Separation/Divorce

Hi Lynn, I wonder if this link might provide some of the information / clarification you are seeking? Click here to see more - ATH Got Your ACE Score

Thanks, Karen.  So it appears that it is just about experiencing divorce or separation.

Hi Lynn,

Drs Anda and Felitti used the question "were your parents ever separated or divorced" as a proxy for relational stress that children might experience while they are growing up.  It was not intended to be a judgement of such a decision on the part of parenting adults.

Perfect--thanks!  I knew there was no judgment intended.  I have occasionally seen websites that refer to that particular ACE as "absence of parent, for example through divorce or separation."  That wording seems to imply that the important factor is the absence of the parent, which could also could occur through parental death.  But what you suggest, that the question was a proxy for relational stress, clarifies the intent for me.  Thanks so much:-).