The Effect of ACEs on
2021
Social-Emotional
Development
PSYCH-441
ASHLEY ROSS
, 1
1. Introduction
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur before a child
reaches the age of 18, which can include abuse, neglect, parental incarceration and domestic
violence (Child Welfare Information Gateway). Researchers have investigated the relationship
between ACEs and developmental outcomes (Crouch et al., 2019; Sanders et al., 2020; Barajas-
Gonzalez et al., 2021; Turney & Wildeman, 2017; Crouch et al., 2020; Berlin & Vinnerljung &
Hjern, 2011). Studies have indicated that ACEs increase the risk of negative outcomes in
adulthood, such as, poor physical health, mental health, substance use and academic
performance/cognitive functioning (Crouch et al., 2019; Sanders et al., 2020; Barajas-Gonzalez
et al., 2021; Turney & Wildeman, 2017; Crouch et al., 2020; Berlin & Vinnerljung & Hjern,
2011). This paper will examine the effects of early childhood maltreatment or ACEs on social-
emotional development. The effects will be investigated through school performance, adult well-
being, immigration, and foster care.
2. Background
2.1. Prevalence
Crouch et al., collected data on the prevalence of ACEs among children in the United States,
in 2019. The data was collected from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). The
study also had parent-reported data on child ACE exposure. The study sample included 45,287
children (Crouch et al., 2019). Findings indicated that the most prevalent types of ACE exposure
for children in the U.S. are, “economic hardship (22.5%) and parent or guardian divorce or
separation (21.9%)” (Crouch et al., 2019). Five factors were discovered as leading influences on
ACE exposure: child’s age, family structure, poverty, type of health insurance, and SHCN status
(Crouch et al., 2019). The study determined the possible factors to influence ACE exposure and
2021
Social-Emotional
Development
PSYCH-441
ASHLEY ROSS
, 1
1. Introduction
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur before a child
reaches the age of 18, which can include abuse, neglect, parental incarceration and domestic
violence (Child Welfare Information Gateway). Researchers have investigated the relationship
between ACEs and developmental outcomes (Crouch et al., 2019; Sanders et al., 2020; Barajas-
Gonzalez et al., 2021; Turney & Wildeman, 2017; Crouch et al., 2020; Berlin & Vinnerljung &
Hjern, 2011). Studies have indicated that ACEs increase the risk of negative outcomes in
adulthood, such as, poor physical health, mental health, substance use and academic
performance/cognitive functioning (Crouch et al., 2019; Sanders et al., 2020; Barajas-Gonzalez
et al., 2021; Turney & Wildeman, 2017; Crouch et al., 2020; Berlin & Vinnerljung & Hjern,
2011). This paper will examine the effects of early childhood maltreatment or ACEs on social-
emotional development. The effects will be investigated through school performance, adult well-
being, immigration, and foster care.
2. Background
2.1. Prevalence
Crouch et al., collected data on the prevalence of ACEs among children in the United States,
in 2019. The data was collected from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). The
study also had parent-reported data on child ACE exposure. The study sample included 45,287
children (Crouch et al., 2019). Findings indicated that the most prevalent types of ACE exposure
for children in the U.S. are, “economic hardship (22.5%) and parent or guardian divorce or
separation (21.9%)” (Crouch et al., 2019). Five factors were discovered as leading influences on
ACE exposure: child’s age, family structure, poverty, type of health insurance, and SHCN status
(Crouch et al., 2019). The study determined the possible factors to influence ACE exposure and
