ACE study
The ACE study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) is one of the most important longitudinal studies on the effect of stressful childhood experiences on health in adulthood. It provides important information on the connection between early trauma and long-term well-being.
What is the ACE Study?
The ACE Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences Study) was conducted in the 1990s by American researchers Vincent Felitti and Robert Anda. Over 17,000 adults participated in the study, who were asked to reflect on traumatic experiences from their childhood—including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and dysfunctional home environments such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues among caregivers.
The findings were striking: Research suggests that the more adverse childhood experiences a person has had (as measured by the so-called ACE score), the higher the statistical risk for various health challenges in adulthood—including mental health issues, chronic illnesses, and social difficulties.
What does this mean for us?
The ACE Study has had a lasting impact on our understanding of health and illness. It underscores how deeply early experiences can be imprinted on the body and mind—and how important it is to view these connections with compassion and without stigma. A high ACE score does not necessarily mean a predetermined fate: resilience, support, and healing processes play a significant role. The study’s findings also underscore the importance of addressing the family context for one’s own well-being.
What is the ACE score?
The ACE score is a simple sum of ten categories of stressful childhood experiences. The higher the value, the more stress was experienced. It is used in research as a rough indicator - it describes probabilities, not certainties.
Is the ACE study still relevant today?
Yes, very much so. The study is considered groundbreaking and has inspired numerous follow-up studies. At the same time, there have been justified further developments: Researchers today also place greater emphasis on protective factors such as social support, resilience and healing relationship experiences.