This post will cover the effects of ACEs on vocation and summarize research on their effects on marriage, parenting, and career. Unfortunately, there isn’t any research on how ACEs can affect priestly and religious vocations, so we won’t be able to include them in these summaries.
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.
ACEs and Marriage
Overall, a higher ACE score is associated with a higher likelihood of being unmarried or divorced.
For example, a study conducted in Japan found that having an ACE score of 3 or more was associated with a higher likelihood of being divorced or married (1). Another study conducted in the US found the same associations (2).
Some theories suggest this association may hold because a stressful childhood environment can orient people toward short-term survival rather than long-term goals like marriage.
Additionally, studies have found that ACEs are associated with poorer relationship quality. Specifically, one study found that a higher ACE score was associated with poorer relationship quality, and relationship quality tended to be better in couples in which both partners reported low ACE scores (3).
Finally, ACEs can impact who we date and marry, as the same study found that couples tended to have similar ACE scores (3).
ACEs and Parenting
ACEs can harm parenting because many involve parents demonstrating poor parenting practices that their children may observe and replicate.
A higher ACE score is associated with less emotional availability for kids; more harsh, inconsistent, or ineffective discipline techniques; and more stress associated with parenting (4; 5; 6).
ACEs and Career
Overall, ACEs are associated with a higher likelihood of being unemployed. This relationship is due to a higher likelihood of having less education, a higher probability of not completing high school, and a higher likelihood of substance use and mental health problems (6; 7; 8).
Conclusion: The Effects of ACEs on Vocation
Overall, there is a lot to learn about the effects of ACEs on vocation, especially for those in religious and priestly vocations. Overall, we know that ACEs can lead to difficulties with marriage, parenting, and employment.
There is hope for healing and resilience following exposure to ACEs. If you or someone you know may be suffering from these adverse effects of ACEs, please visit the healing resources page to begin your healing journey.