Research has shown a strong correlation between higher ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scores and a range of difficult outcomes later in life, including increased risk of physical and emotional health problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, and even premature mortality.

 

The ACE questionnaire is a tool used to assess the extent of adverse experiences or specific traumatic events that commonly occur before the age of 18. Developed by Dr. Vincent J. Felitti and colleagues in the 1990s, the ACE questionnaire typically includes questions about various types of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction that a person may have experienced during childhood. These experiences are categorized into different domains, including:

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*Physical abuse
*Emotional abuse
*Sexual abuse
*Physical neglect
*Emotional neglect
*Household dysfunction (e.g., frequent arguments, frequently left alone, reactive behaviors, bullying, abandonment, emotional disturbances, separation/divorce, mental illness, domestic violence, substance abuse, incarceration)

Respondents indicate whether they experienced each of the listed events and, if so, how many times. The total score is then calculated by adding up the number of adverse experiences reported.

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The ACE questionnaire has been widely used in both clinical and research settings to better understand the impact of childhood trauma on long-term health and well-being. If you would like your score confidentially recorded for information purposes only within Lifestyle Counseling, select "Submit" at the end of your test.