Childhood Trauma: The One Test You Don't Want to ACE

Understanding the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Pathways to Healing

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) test, a 10-question survey that uncovers the hidden impacts of childhood trauma on adult health and well-being. Leslie explains how high ACE scores correlate with numerous physical and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses, and reduced life expectancy. The episode explores the biological effects of trauma on the brain and body, how trauma manifests in the workplace, relationships, and parenting, and the importance of trauma-informed healthcare. Additionally, Leslie discusses various therapeutic approaches, including somatic therapy and EMDR, that assist in healing from trauma. The episode concludes with actionable advice for those with high ACE scores, emphasizing patience in the healing journey and the potential for post-traumatic growth.

00:00 Introduction to ACE Test
01:47 Origins and Impact of ACE
04:38 Trauma and the Brain
07:23 Trauma in Daily Life
12:18 Medical Implications of Trauma
15:50 Healing and Recovery
18:18 Practical Steps for Healing
21:29 Conclusion and Resources

ACE Test: https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdf

References

Bethell, C. D., Jones, J., Gombojav, N., Linkenbach, J., & Sege, R. (2019). Positive childhood experiences and adult mental and relational health in a statewide sample: Associations across adverse childhood experiences levels. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(11), e193007. 
Burke, S. A. (2024). Exploring the long-term impact of childhood trauma: Unseen consequences and paths to healing. International Journal of Psychiatry Research, 7(4). 
Chen, M. A., LeRoy, A. S., Majd, M., Chen, J. Y., Brown, R. L., Christian, L. M., & Fagundes, C. P. (2021). Immune and epigenetic pathways linking childhood adversity and health across the lifespan. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 788351. 
Copeland, W. E., Shanahan, L., Hinesley, J., Chan, R. F., Aberg, K. A., Fairbank, J. A., van den Oord, E. J. C. G., & Costello, E. J. (2018). Association of childhood trauma exposure with adult psychiatric disorders and functional outcomes. JAMA Network Open, 1(7), e184493.
Dell, P. F., & O’Neil, J. A. (Eds.). (2009). Dissociation and the dissociative disorders: DSM-V and beyond. Routledge. 
Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. 
Greenman, P. S., Renzi, A., Monaco, S., Luciani, F., & Di Trani, M. (2024). How does trauma make you sick? The role of attachment in explaining somatic symptoms of survivors of childhood trauma. Healthcare, 12(2), 203. 
Grummitt, L. R., Kreski, N. T., Kim, S. G., Platt, J., Keyes, K. M., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2021). Association of childhood adversity with morbidity and mortality in US adults. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(12), 1269–1270. 
Herzog, J. I., & Schmahl, C. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences and the consequences on neurobiological, psychosocial, and somatic conditions across the lifespan. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 420. 
Klinger-König, J., Erhardt, A., Streit, F., et al. (2024). Childhood trauma and somatic and mental illness in adulthood—Findings of the NAKO health study. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International
Liotti, G. (2004). Trauma, dissociation, and disorganized attachment: Three strands of a single braid. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(4), 472–486.
Mock, S. E., & Arai, S. M. (2011). Childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood: Mental health and socioeconomic status as explanatory factors and buffers. Frontiers in Psychology, 1, 246. 
Monnat, S. M., & Chandler, R. F. (2015). Long-term physical health consequences of adverse childhood experiences. The Sociological Quarterly, 56(4), 723–752. 
Nelson, C. A., Bhutta, Z. A., Burke Harris, N., Danese, A., & Samara, M. (2020). Adversity in childhood is linked to mental and physical health throughout life. BMJ, m3048. 
Sachs‐Ericsson, N. J., Sheffler, J. L., Stanley, I. H., Piazza, J. R., & Preacher, K. J. (2017). When emotional pain becomes physical: Adverse childhood experiences, pain, and the role of mood and anxiety disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(10), 1403–1422.
Scott, K. M. (2011). Association of childhood adversities and early-onset mental disorders with adult-onset chronic physical conditions. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(8), 838–844. 
Shonkoff, J. P., Garner, A. S., Siegel, B. S., Dobbins, M. I., et al. (2012). The lifelong effects of early childhood adversity and toxic stress. Pediatrics, 129(1), e232–e246.
Siegel, D. J. (1999). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. Guilford Press.
Simeon, D., & Abugel, J. (2006). Feeling unreal: Depersonalization disorder and the loss of the self. Oxford University Press.
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. 
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
Wu, B. (2024). Effects of early childhood trauma on adult mental health. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media, 39(1), 193–200. 
★ Support this podcast ★
Childhood Trauma: The One Test You Don't Want to ACE
Broadcast by