The original ACE study examined the effects of ACEs on actions. They found that as a person’s ACE score increased, the likelihood of the following increased:
- Having behavioral problems in school
- Workplace absenteeism
- Financial problems
- Smoking
- Unintended pregnancy
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Suicide attempts
There has been much more research in this area since the original ACE study, and ACEs have continued to be found to be associated with substance use, risky sexual behavior, crime, suicidal behavior, and struggles with finances and education.
Before we begin any discussion about the effects of trauma, it is important to remind ourselves that healing and resilience are possible. Many factors can prevent these effects from occurring in the first place, and many factors can lead to their healing if they have occurred.
Our purpose here is to learn about potential ways trauma can adversely impact people, so that we can then use this knowledge to create trauma-informed, healing ministries.
If you begin to feel overwhelmed at any point when reading this article, please pause and seek guidance from a trained mental health professional, a trusted friend, or a mentor.
Substance Use
Overall, ACEs are associated with a higher likelihood of smoking and problematic drug use (1), as well as a higher likelihood of developing a substance use disorder, more severe substance use disorder, and less likelihood of quitting substance use (2). Researchers have found this for multiple substances, including alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs like marijuana.
Sexual Behavior
Additionally, having an ACE score of 4 or more is associated with more sexual risk-taking (1) as well as a higher likelihood of teen pregnancy and being the father in a teen pregnancy (3).
Suicidal Behavior
Having an ACE score of four or more is associated with more self-harm (1), and a higher ACE score is associated with a higher likelihood of suicide attempts (4). This study found that suicidal behavior and substance use following ACE exposure seem to be connected, as those who reported suicide attempts in this study were more likely to report alcohol and substance misuse.
Crime
ACEs are also associated with participating in more criminal behavior, such as theft and violence. For example, in one study of adolescents, ACEs were associated with more criminal behavior (5).
Finances and Education
Finally, ACEs are also associated with different financial behaviors, including pursuing less education, having less success finding a job, and having fewer financial resources and assets (6).
How the Effects of ACEs on Actions Can Continue the Cycle of ACEs
One important thing to note about how ACEs relate to actions is that many of these actions are associated with passing on ACEs to the next generation.
For example, participating in more crime may lead to a person’s children suffering the ACE of having an incarcerated parent. Substance and alcohol misuse may lead to a child suffering the ACE of having someone in the household misusing substances.
Thus, preventing these behaviors could help lower the next generation’s ACE scores, breaking the cycle.
Conclusion
Overall, there is a lot to learn about how ACEs can impact actions, but overall, we know that ACEs can lead to many different adverse behaviors, which could lead to more ACEs for the next generation.
There is hope for healing and resilience following exposure to ACEs. If you or someone you know may be suffering from these negative effects of ACEs, please visit the healing resources page to begin your healing journey and talk to your doctor about possible treatment.