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 difficulties with friendships, which we will discuss further 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.
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 that ACEs negatively impact the following aspects of friendships:
- Forming attachments with others (2)
- Friendship quality (2)
- Quality of friends (i.e., having friends who use peer pressure) (2)
- Social connectedness (3)
- Trusting others (4)
- Being willing to reveal yourself to your friends (5)
The Effects of Specific ACEs on Friendships
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.