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  • ACEs and counter-ACEs: How ...
    Crandall, AliceAnn; Miller, Jacob R.; Cheung, Aaron; Novilla, Lynneth Kirsten; Glade, Rozalyn; Novilla, M. Lelinneth B.; Magnusson, Brianna M.; Leavitt, Barbara L.; Barnes, Michael D.; Hanson, Carl L.

    Child abuse & neglect, October 2019, 2019-10-00, 20191001, Volume: 96
    Journal Article

    Numerous studies over the past two decades have found a link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and worse adult health outcomes. Less well understood is how advantageous childhood experiences (counter-ACEs) may lead to better adult health, especially in the presence of adversity. To examine how counter-ACEs and ACEs affect adult physical and mental health using Resiliency Theory as the theoretical framework. Participants were Amazon mTurk users ages 19–57 years (N = 246; 42% female) who completed an online survey. We conducted a series of regression analyses to examine how counter-ACEs and ACEs predicted adult health. Corresponding to the Compensatory Model of Resiliency Theory, higher counter-ACEs scores were associated with improved adult health and that counter-ACEs neutralized the negative impact of ACEs on adult health. Contrary to the Protective Factors Model, there was a stronger relationship between ACEs and worse adult health among those with above average counter-ACEs scores compared to those with below average counter-ACEs scores. Consistent with the Challenge Model, counter-ACEs had a reduced positive effect on adult health among those with four or more ACEs compared to those with fewer than four ACEs. Overall, the findings suggest that counter-ACEs protect against poor adult health and lead to better adult wellness. When ACEs scores are moderate, counter-ACEs largely neutralize the negative effects of ACEs on adult health. Ultimately, the results demonstrate that a public health approach to promoting positive childhood experiences may promote better lifelong health.