ACEs and Friendships
The original ACE study did not examine the impact of ACEs on friendships. Good friendships are essential for living well and can impact our mental and physical health, so many researchers have since studied the effects of ACEs on friendships. These researchers have found associations between ACEs and friendship troubles, which we will discuss further below.
As we go through this research, it is essential to remember that just because someone has a high ACE score does not mean they are doomed to develop these outcomes. And if a person has developed a particular negative outcome due to ACEs, they are not necessarily doomed to have it forever. Healing and resilience are possible, and many factors can prevent these outcomes from happening in the first place, and many factors can lead to their healing if they have occurred.
The Effects of ACEs on Friendships
Overall, researchers have found that ACEs can lead to more social isolation and loneliness (1). Additionally, researchers have found ACEs to impact the following aspects of friendships negatively:
The Effects of Specific ACEs
One study found that witnessing domestic violence, household mental illness, household incarceration, and household substance use are associated with problems making and keeping friends in childhood (6).
Additionally, researchers specifically found emotional abuse and household substance abuse to be associated with less satisfaction with adult friendships (7)
Conclusion
Overall, researchers have found that experiencing ACEs can be associated with difficulties in friendships.
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.
To learn more about the effects of ACEs, please visit the following pages: