Adverse Childhood Experiences: Definition, Dimensions, and Longterm Effect

This article discusses the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), dimensions, and longterm impacts experienced by survivors of adverse childhood experiences. ACEs as traumatic and potentially dangerous experiences that occur intensively and frequently in the 0-17 years or before age 18 years. Traumatic experiences or stressful experiences that are classified under ACE include (but are not limited to) abuse (emotional, physical, sexual abuse); abandonment (emotional, physical neglect); and growing up in a dysfunctional household. These dysfunctions include being a witness to violence in another household, a family member engaging in alcohol or drug abuse, the family suffering from mental illness or being involved in suicide, there being relational stress (such as separation or divorce), or a family member exhibiting criminal behavior. Studies have proven that ACEs have long-lasting impacts on survivors. Among these impacts are emotional, social-behavioral, cognitive, neurodevelopmental, mental health, and disease. A basic understanding of the definition, dimensions, and long-term impact of ACEs has the potential to open up broader research and exploration in various fields as a main step in making prevention policies in the future.