TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - ACEs and counter-ACEs: how positive and negative childhood experiences influence adult health
JO  - Child abuse and neglect
A1  - Crandall, AliceAnn
A1  - Miller, Jacob R.
A1  - Cheung, Aaron
A1  - Novilla, Lynneth Kirsten
A1  - Glade, Rozalyn
A1  - Novilla, M. Lelinneth B.
A1  - Magnusson, Brianna M.
A1  - Leavitt, Barbara L.
A1  - Barnes, Michael D.
A1  - Hanson, Carl L.
SP  - e104089
EP  - e104089
VL  - 96
IS  - 
N2  - BACKGROUND: 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. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To examine how counter-ACEs and ACEs affect adult physical and mental health using Resiliency Theory as the theoretical framework. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Participants were Amazon mTurk users ages 19-57 years (N = 246; 42% female) who completed an online survey. <br><br>METHODS: We conducted a series of regression analyses to examine how counter-ACEs and ACEs predicted adult health. <br><br>RESULTS: 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. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: 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.<br><br>Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0145-2134
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104089
ID  - ref1
ER  -