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The original ACE study did not examine the effects of ACEs by gender, as researchers were still starting this line of research. However, more recently, researchers have been examining these gender differences and have found some interesting findings. We will discuss this research below.
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.
Gender Differences in Prevalence of ACEs
Overall, many studies have found that women are significantly more likely to experience ACEs than men, and they have a higher average ACE score than men.
For example, in one study, women were more likely to experience three or more ACEs. They were also more likely to specifically experience sexual abuse, household substance abuse, and household mental illness. However, men were more likely to experience emotional abuse and household incarceration (1).
The Effects of ACEs by Gender: Mental Health Outcomes
Overall, it seems that ACEs have a more substantial effect on mental health outcomes for women. For example, one study found that experiencing anxiety and depression following exposure to ACEs was more likely among women (2). In another study, the effects of ACEs on the development of depression were also higher among women (3).
There are many possible explanations for this effect. First, female sex hormones seem to make the impact of ACEs on the brain and immune system stronger, which can then lead to a higher likelihood of developing mental health problems following ACE exposure (4).
Additionally, ACEs can erode telomeres, caps that protect our DNA, leading to more disease and faster aging. They can also cause more stress, which can lead to more inflammation. Women tend to be more impacted by these effects, which can lead to more mental health problems following ACE exposure (Childhood Disrupted, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa).
The Effects of ACEs by Gender: Physical Health Outcomes
ACEs are associated with worse physical health and a higher likelihood of earlier death, and some studies have found that these effects are more substantial in women (5). Additionally, another study found that women were more likely to develop cancer following exposure to ACEs (6).
Regarding potential explanations for these findings, as we discussed above, telomere erosion and increased stress following ACEs can lead to physical health problems, and this tends to impact women more (Childhood Disrupted, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa).
The Effects of ACEs by Gender: Behavior Outcomes
There have been some findings suggesting that ACEs are associated with higher odds of using illicit drugs and alcohol in women than in men (7). Additionally, men and women may be more impacted in this area by certain ACEs, as researchers found emotional abuse to be associated with alcohol problems in females. In contrast, they found physical abuse to be associated with alcohol problems in men (8).
Some researchers have also found ACEs to be significantly associated with adolescent delinquency only for girls (9).
Finally, when it comes to sexual behavior, men tended to be more impacted by ACEs in one study, having more sexual partners and having sexual intercourse significantly younger (10).
Conclusion
This line of research into the effects of ACEs by gender is still new, and future research may find something different. However, from what we know so far, many of the negative potential impacts of ACEs are more substantial for women. We still need more research to understand fully why this is the case.
To learn more about the impacts of ACEs, I recommend picking up a copy of Childhood Disrupted by Donna Jackson Nakazawa.
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.