What are ACEs?
Duration: 13 mins
Publication Date: 14 Feb 2024
Next Review Date: 14 Feb 2027
DOI: 10.13056/acamh.13718
Description
In this talk, Dr Meehan explores the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—including abuse and challenging family environments—on long-term health and development. Drawing on over 25 years of research, he highlights the strong links between early life adversity and increased risk for both mental and physical health difficulties. Dr Meehan emphasizes the importance of understanding how these early experiences shape well-being across the lifespan, and discusses the implications for prevention, intervention, and policy in child and adolescent mental health.
Learning Objectives
A. To define the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the different types of abuse and family challenges they encompass.
B. To discuss the long-term impacts of ACEs on mental and physical health, emphasizing their relevance across a person’s life.
C. To understand the historical background and the initial research that defined ACEs, providing context for their significance in public health.
