Prevalence and Long-Term Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Adult Functioning

Research group: Metka Kuhar, Helena Jeriček Klanšček, Gaja Zager Kocjan, Ada Hočevar Grom, Zalka Drglin, Nina Mešl

 
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Research shows that childhood experiences – both positive and adverse – strongly influence physical and mental health, behaviors, and life outcomes in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to higher risks of illness, mental health problems, risky behaviors, lower educational attainment, and poorer socioeconomic status. Their consequences are also borne by society at large, particularly through health care and social welfare costs. Recognizing and addressing ACEs is therefore a key public health task.

The first ACE study was conducted in the United States in the 1990s and has since been replicated in many countries worldwide. Typically, ten categories of ACEs are measured, covering abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction (e.g., domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, parental separation or death). More recent studies also include additional adversities such as poverty or discrimination.

The first Slovenian study on ACEs (2019), conducted on a sample of 4,940 adults, showed that 76.5% of participants had experienced at least one ACE, while 27.2% had experienced four or more. ACEs often occur in combination and are more frequent in socioeconomically disadvantaged families. A higher number of ACEs is associated with increased risks of illness, mental health disorders, unhealthy behaviors, and lower life satisfaction, as well as with symptoms of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) and less secure attachment patterns.

The Slovenian study was the first in the world to empirically demonstrate that ACEs in adulthood translate into somatic symptoms via disturbances in self-organization – a core feature of cPTSD. It was also among the first to show that positive childhood experiences (PCEs) mitigate the effects of ACEs, particularly on mental health and self-reported physical activity.

In addition to the survey, we conducted focus groups with preschool and school staff. We found that they often encounter children showing the consequences of traumatic experiences but lack sufficient systematic support to respond. They emphasized the need for clear guidelines to address this issue more consistently and comprehensively.

Scientific publications in English

Masa Majce