• The CDC- Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations into how childhood abuse, neglect and household dysfunction impact health and well-being later in life

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• The Stress that results when a child experiences ACEs may become toxic when there is "strong, frequent, or prolonged activation of the body's stress response systems"

 

• Increased number of ACEs increases risk of substance abuse, risky behaviors, and poor academic achievement 

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The "ACE" quiz consists of 10 questions and explore common traumatic experiences during early life. The quiz serves as an indicator of the likelihood that a person may face certain health challenges later in life based on their ACE score. However, as highlighted by the Center on the Developing Child, at Harvard University, "not everyone is the same and is affected the same when faced with adverse experiences." Therefore, the ACE quiz provides insight into potential risks but cannot definitively predict future challenges. 

 

The ACE study, a collaboration between the Centers for Didease Control and Kaiser Permanente, originally identified 10 ACEs, including:

 

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Psychological abuse 

• Physical neglect

• Emotional neglect

• Parental substance abuse

• Parental mental illness

• Domestic violence

• Parental separation or divorce

• Incarcerated parent

 

The Connection Between ACEs and Parental Alienation

Parental alienation adds a specific risk for children. All alienated children inherently face at least three of the ACEs: emotional abuse and being from separated/divorced parents along with most of the time mental illness of a parent (borderline or narcissistic personality disorder). This places alienated children at an elevated risk fodr poor outcomes that can affect them throughout their lives. However, risk does not mean certainty. Interventions and treatments can be developed to help mitigate the negatove effects of early risk. For example:

 

• Education: All separated parents could be provided with information and education classes about alienation so that they know the warning signs. Early detection may be key in preventing children of divorce from accumulating the risk of parental alienation

•  Training: More training for mental health and legal professionals working with separating families may allow for intervention before alienation occurs 

 

Reducing ACEs can contribute to improved outcomes, just as each additional ACE contributes to poorer outcomes. This is why greater awareness about parental alienation is crucial - it's not just about immediate family dynamics, but long-term health and well-being