Different Effects of ACEs Among Men and Women

different effects of ACEs among men and women

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The original ACE study did not examine differences in the prevalence of ACEs and their effects between men and women, as researchers were still starting this line of research. However, more recently, researchers have been looking at these gender differences and found some interesting things. 

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.

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).

Gender Differences in 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).

Gender Differences in 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 of these findings, as we discussed above, the erosion of telomeres and increased stress following ACEs can lead to physical health problems, and this also tends to impact women more (Childhood Disrupted, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa).

Gender Differences in 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)

Gender Differences in Financial Outcomes

Finally, the financial outcomes of ACEs seem to be stronger for women, as in one study, women who had faced abuse and neglect had less education, employment, earnings, and assets than men who had had the same experiences (11).

Conclusion

This line of research 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. 

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: