Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences

As we work to build healing systems, we must acknowledge that trauma and adversity have harmed people and communities.

Public service professionals should understand the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on people and communities.

This understanding will help professionals create systems that support wellness for the people working within and served by their organizations.

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0–17 years).

The original ACEs were established by the 1997 study by Kaiser Permanente and the CDC and include:

  • Abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual
  • Neglect: physical and emotional
  • Household challenges: divorce, loss of a parent, incarceration, substance use, domestic violence, and mental illness

Since the original study, the list has been expanded to include the following ACEs:

  • Discrimination
  • Racism
  • Poverty
  • Other violence
  • Intergenerational cultural trauma
  • Separation
  • Adjustments or other major life changes
  • Bereavement and survivorship
  • Adult responsibilities as a child

What are Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)?​

The opposite of ACEs are PCEs. Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are experiences that can help promote healthy development and resilience and mitigate the negative effects associated with ACEs.

Positive childhood experiences:

Develop from safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments

Help children form strong relationships, develop self-worth, and feel a sense of belonging

A 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics established seven PCEs that were shown to improve resilience and protect against some of the negative outcomes associated with ACEs.

Participants in this study reported that, as a child, they:

1. Felt like they were able to talk to family about their feelings

2. Felt that their family stood by them during difficult times

3. Enjoyed participating in community traditions

4. Felt a sense of belonging in high school

5. Felt supported by friends

6. Had at least two non-parent adults who took genuine interest in them

7. Felt safe and protected by an adult in their home

What do we know about Adverse and Positive Childhood
Experiences in Maryland?​

Survey data collected in Maryland shows that rates of trauma and adverse childhood experiences for people in Maryland are comparable to rates across the United States.

For more information on the rates of ACEs in Maryland, and to learn the data sources for these statistics, please view this presentation: