Objective: Despite extensive research, the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is not fully developed and there is low agreement on how the concept should be defined and measured. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify different conceptual dimensions associated with ACEs, such as timing or frequency; and 2) determine how these dimensions have been operationalized and analyzed to this point, in order to advance the conceptual understanding of ACEs. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of empirical journal articles on ACEs published after the original ACE-Study in 1998 to summarize the use of dimensions for the 10 conventional ACE domains. We used a PRISMA methodology to identify articles that assessed at least two of the 10 conventional ACE domains and at least two ACE dimensions. A standardized data extraction spreadsheet was used to record basic article information and specifics on ACE domains and dimensions. Results: Of 15,417 initial search results, 61 articles met all selection criteria. We identified four primary dimensions used for most ACE domains: frequency, timing, perception, and the role of the perpetrator. Additionally, we found several secondary and domain-specific dimensions, which relate to the intensity of the adverse event. Discussion: We identified the most commonly used ACE dimensions, but these lack standardized phrasing of items and response options. The inclusion of ACE dimensions may increase the accuracy of the association between ACEs and health outcomes and provide for more tailored treatment plans for people who have experienced ACEs. Future research should include a more comprehensive list of ACE domains and aim to develop a clearly articulated, standardized approach to assessing and analyzing ACE dimensions.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objective: Despite extensive research, the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is not fully developed and there is low agreement on how the concept should be defined and measured. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify different conceptual dimensions associated with ACEs, such as timing or frequency; and 2) determine how these dimensions have been operationalized and analyzed to this point, in order to advance the conceptual understanding of ACEs. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of empirical journal articles on ACEs published after the original ACE-Study in 1998 to summarize the use of dimensions for the 10 conventional ACE domains. We used a PRISMA methodology to identify articles that assessed at least two of the 10 conventional ACE domains and at least two ACE dimensions. A standardized data extraction spreadsheet was used to record basic article information and specifics on ACE domains and dimensions. Results: Of 15,417 initial search results, 61 articles met all selection criteria. We identified four primary dimensions used for most ACE domains: frequency, timing, perception, and the role of the perpetrator. Additionally, we found several secondary and domain-specific dimensions, which relate to the intensity of the adverse event. Discussion: We identified the most commonly used ACE dimensions, but these lack standardized phrasing of items and response options. The inclusion of ACE dimensions may increase the accuracy of the association between ACEs and health outcomes and provide for more tailored treatment plans for people who have experienced ACEs. Future research should include a more comprehensive list of ACE domains and aim to develop a clearly articulated, standardized approach to assessing and analyzing ACE dimensions.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 18(3), 2021, pp.323-339.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC) is a 90-item caregiver-report measure of childhood traumatic stress and abuse-related experiences in children, ages three to twelve years old. Purpose: The objective of this review is to examine the current empirical evidence (n = 22) regarding the psychometric properties of the TSCYC. Method: A variety of study designs were reviewed...
(Edited publisher abstract)
The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC) is a 90-item caregiver-report measure of childhood traumatic stress and abuse-related experiences in children, ages three to twelve years old. Purpose: The objective of this review is to examine the current empirical evidence (n = 22) regarding the psychometric properties of the TSCYC. Method: A variety of study designs were reviewed for psychometric evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the TSCYC. Results: The psychometric evidence for the TSCYC indicates it is a reliable scale. However, evidence of validity is moderate and focuses on older children. Discussion: Clinicians may utilize the TSCYC to support a PTSD diagnosis in children. Further psychometric exploration would strengthen the body of evidence for younger children (ages 3–5) who have had traumatic experiences.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Explores traumatic experiences and their effects on children at different stages of development. The first half of the book examines what constitutes trauma in childhood, including its symptoms, prognosis and treatment. It outlines parenting tasks, addresses specific educational and social issues and answers a range of frequently asked questions. In the second half, single adopter Matthew Blythe
(Edited publisher abstract)
Explores traumatic experiences and their effects on children at different stages of development. The first half of the book examines what constitutes trauma in childhood, including its symptoms, prognosis and treatment. It outlines parenting tasks, addresses specific educational and social issues and answers a range of frequently asked questions. In the second half, single adopter Matthew Blythe describes his experience of parenting twin boys who have experienced significant trauma and how this affected, and continues to affect, day-to-day family life.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(3), 2014, pp.536-556.
Publisher:
Sage
Using data from the USA National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s (NCTSN) Core Data Set (CDS), this study examines the association between total number of trauma types experienced and child/adolescent behavioral problems and examines whether the number of trauma types experienced predicted youth behavioural problems above and beyond demographic characteristics. The data set includes youth assessed and treated for trauma across the United States. Participants who experienced at least one type of trauma were included in the sample (N = 11,028; age = 1½-18 years; 52.3% girls). Random effects models were used to account for possible intraclass correlations given treatment services were provided at different NCTSN centers. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations among demographic characteristics, trauma, and emotional and behavioral problems as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Significant dose–response relations were found between total number of trauma types and behaviour problems for all CBCL scales, except Sleep, one of the subscales only administered to 1½- to 5-year-olds. Thus, each additional trauma type endorsed significantly increased the odds for scoring above the clinical threshold. Results provide further evidence of strong associations between diverse traumatic childhood experiences and a diverse range of behavior problems, and underscore the need for a trauma-informed public health and social welfare approach to prevention, risk reduction, and early intervention for traumatized youth.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Using data from the USA National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s (NCTSN) Core Data Set (CDS), this study examines the association between total number of trauma types experienced and child/adolescent behavioral problems and examines whether the number of trauma types experienced predicted youth behavioural problems above and beyond demographic characteristics. The data set includes youth assessed and treated for trauma across the United States. Participants who experienced at least one type of trauma were included in the sample (N = 11,028; age = 1½-18 years; 52.3% girls). Random effects models were used to account for possible intraclass correlations given treatment services were provided at different NCTSN centers. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations among demographic characteristics, trauma, and emotional and behavioral problems as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Significant dose–response relations were found between total number of trauma types and behaviour problems for all CBCL scales, except Sleep, one of the subscales only administered to 1½- to 5-year-olds. Thus, each additional trauma type endorsed significantly increased the odds for scoring above the clinical threshold. Results provide further evidence of strong associations between diverse traumatic childhood experiences and a diverse range of behavior problems, and underscore the need for a trauma-informed public health and social welfare approach to prevention, risk reduction, and early intervention for traumatized youth.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(11), November 2009, pp.1919-1927.
Publisher:
Sage
This study looked at the association between trauma exposure and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using structured interviews with 157 children and young people aged from 8 to 17 years recruited from three large urban community mental health clinics in the New York City metropolitan area. Being exposed to traumatic news, witnessing domestic violence, experiencing physical abuse
This study looked at the association between trauma exposure and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using structured interviews with 157 children and young people aged from 8 to 17 years recruited from three large urban community mental health clinics in the New York City metropolitan area. Being exposed to traumatic news, witnessing domestic violence, experiencing physical abuse, and experiencing sexual abuse were all significantly associated with PTSD, while witnessing a crime or being the victim of a crime, and exposure to accidents, fire or disaster were not. The conclusions were that childhood PTSD was only associated with exposure to interpersonal trauma events, and that further research is needed to examine the ways in which various types of traumas affect a child’s functioning and to identify protective factors that may help mitigate the impact of a child’s exposure to various types of trauma events.
Subject terms:
post traumatic stress disorder, traumas, young people, children;
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(10), October 2009, pp.1755-1764.
Publisher:
Sage
This study investigated whether intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by biological fathers resulted in higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and behaviour problems than violence perpetrated by nonbiological fathers and whether children who witnessed violence perpetrated by multiple father figures had increased levels of posttraumatic stress disorder and behavioural symptoms...
This study investigated whether intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by biological fathers resulted in higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and behaviour problems than violence perpetrated by nonbiological fathers and whether children who witnessed violence perpetrated by multiple father figures had increased levels of posttraumatic stress disorder and behavioural symptoms. Eighty mothers who experienced domestic incidents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the University of California at Los Angeles Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (PTSD-RI) for their children aged 2 to 18. Children with multiple violent father figures had significantly more symptoms on the CBCL than children in the other two research groups while controlling for maternal symptoms and trauma history. There were no significant differences between the biological and nonbiological father groups or among the three groups on the PTSD-RI.
Child and Youth Care Forum, 38(3), June 2009, pp.135-149.
Publisher:
Springer
Trauma exposure has been associated with panic symptoms in adult samples, but little is known about the relationship between trauma and panic in children. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), or the fear of anxiety-related bodily sensations, may help explain the relationship between trauma and panic. To examine relationships among trauma, anxiety sensitivity, and panic symptoms, data were collected from
Trauma exposure has been associated with panic symptoms in adult samples, but little is known about the relationship between trauma and panic in children. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), or the fear of anxiety-related bodily sensations, may help explain the relationship between trauma and panic. To examine relationships among trauma, anxiety sensitivity, and panic symptoms, data were collected from youth in the New Orleans area 5–8 months after Hurricane Katrina (N = 302) and again 17–18 months after the hurricane (N = 110). At time one, AS predicted panic symptoms beyond hurricane exposure. At time two, AS measured at time two predicted panic symptoms beyond AS measured at time one. Clinical implications of the present findings are discussed.
Children and Youth Services Review, 31(3), March 2009, pp.349-354.
Publisher:
Elsevier
This study investigated the association between PTSD symptom levels and sociodemographic characteristics, earthquake survival, and related losses, and post-earthquake life events 4 years after two major earthquakes in Turkey in a sample of children and adolescents who emigrated from the devastated area. The study subjects consisted of 1999 earthquake survivors who moved to Ankara, Turkey...
This study investigated the association between PTSD symptom levels and sociodemographic characteristics, earthquake survival, and related losses, and post-earthquake life events 4 years after two major earthquakes in Turkey in a sample of children and adolescents who emigrated from the devastated area. The study subjects consisted of 1999 earthquake survivors who moved to Ankara, Turkey, at the time of the study. The inclusion criteria included age ranging from 8 to 18 years and the absence of a serious cognitive or mental disorder that would interfere with response to self-report questionnaires. Regarding the earthquake experiences, unexpectedly, the findings indicate a significant association between posttraumatic stress, depression, fear and avoidance symptoms and only one of five subscales of Earthquake Experiences Scale, namely Functionality, even after controlling for the post-earthquake life events. Impact of earthquake was not found to predict psychological symptoms. Children and adolescents' subjective perception of the earthquake was an associated factor with higher posttraumatic stress and depression scores. Impact of earthquake was not found to predict psychological symptoms. It is concluded that the level of PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents who survived a major earthquake is determined by the negative impact of the trauma on functionality and the degree of subjective negative perception about earthquake.
Subject terms:
post traumatic stress disorder, traumas, young people, children;
Child Abuse and Neglect, 32(5), May 2008, pp.589-601.
Publisher:
Elsevier
The primary objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to community violence (neighbourhood, school, police, and gang violence) and psychological distress in a sample of children living in the Cape Town, South Africa area. Another objective was to identify variables that moderate and mediate the relationship between exposure to community violence and psychological...
The primary objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to community violence (neighbourhood, school, police, and gang violence) and psychological distress in a sample of children living in the Cape Town, South Africa area. Another objective was to identify variables that moderate and mediate the relationship between exposure to community violence and psychological distress. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 185 children between the age of 8 and 13 from five Cape Town Township schools. Structured scales were used to measure exposure to several forms of community violence, family functioning, social support, perceptions of safety, and “unknown” locus of control. Exposure to all forms of violence was extremely high and resulted in substantial psychological distress. Perceived safety functioned as a mediating variable for all forms of violence. Unknown locus of control, social support, family organization, and family control moderated the effects of exposure to certain kinds of violence. Surprisingly, exposure to murder was not related to psychological distress, suggesting a possible “numbing” effect of extreme forms of violence. Hearing about violence from others had almost the same effect as actually witnessing it. Older children had witnessed more violence and were experiencing more distress, suggesting an “exposure accumulation” effect. The findings suggest the importance of a child's ability to feel safe in reducing the distress that occurs as a result to exposure to violence. Parents and schools can help children cope, but there appear to be limits. Early intervention, before maladaptive coping mechanisms have developed, also appears to be important.
Child Abuse and Neglect, 31(8), August 2007, pp.909-915.
Publisher:
Elsevier
The two most commonly used mental health measures of functioning of traumatized and non-traumatized children are the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and the Children's Global Assessment Scale. This present study aimed to estimate the reliability of the GAF and the CGAS using clinical case vignettes of both traumatized and non-traumatized children.
The two most commonly used mental health measures of functioning of traumatized and non-traumatized children are the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and the Children's Global Assessment Scale. This present study aimed to estimate the reliability of the GAF and the CGAS using clinical case vignettes of both traumatized and non-traumatized children.