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ACE Test - Adverse Childhood Experiences

Take the official ACE questionnaire to assess childhood adversity. Learn about potential health impacts and find trauma-informed resources for healing.

By Peony Health Team
Research-validated assessment
Trauma-informed approach
Healing-focused resources

About the ACE Assessment

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is groundbreaking research by Felitti et al. (1998) and the CDC that revealed connections between childhood trauma and lifelong health. This assessment helps identify childhood adversity and provides trauma-informed resources for healing. Remember: your ACE score is not your destiny - research shows that resilience, support, and healing are possible at any stage of life.

About the ACE Assessment

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is groundbreaking research that reveals the connection between childhood trauma and lifelong health. This assessment is based on the original study by Felitti et al. (1998) conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the CDC, which surveyed over 17,000 adults and found significant correlations between childhood adversity and adult health outcomes.

Key Research Findings: The ACE Study demonstrated dose-response relationships between ACE scores and health risks including heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, and liver disease (Felitti et al., 1998; Anda et al., 2006). However, subsequent research has shown that resilience factors can significantly moderate these effects (Bethell et al., 2014; Crandall et al., 2019).

Remember: Your ACE score is not your destiny. Research on post-traumatic growth (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004) and neuroplasticity (van der Kolk, 2014) shows that healing is possible at any stage of life. This tool provides awareness and can guide you toward appropriate support.

Childhood Experiences Assessment

Before You Begin: These questions ask about potentially difficult childhood experiences. Please ensure you're in a safe, comfortable space. It's normal to have emotional reactions to these questions.

The questions refer to experiences before age 18. Answer based on your memories and perceptions - there are no "right" or "wrong" answers. You can take breaks if needed, and remember that completing this assessment is a step toward understanding and healing.

Self-Care Reminder: After completing this assessment, consider engaging in a calming activity, reaching out to a supportive person, or practicing grounding techniques if you feel emotionally activated.

Abuse

1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often push, grab, slap, or throw something at you? Or ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?

Abuse

2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you? Or act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?

Abuse

3. Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way? Or attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?

Neglect

4. Did you often or very often feel that no one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special? Or your family didn't look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?

Neglect

5. Did you often or very often feel that you didn't have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you? Or your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?

Household Dysfunction

6. Were your parents ever separated or divorced?

Household Dysfunction

7. Was your mother or stepmother often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her? Or sometimes, often, or very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard? Or ever repeatedly hit over at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife?

Household Dysfunction

8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs?

Household Dysfunction

9. Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?

Household Dysfunction

10. Did a household member go to prison?

References

  1. 1.

    Felitti, V. J., et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. *American Journal of Preventive Medicine*, 14(4), 245-258

  2. 2.

    Hughes, K., et al. (2017). The effect of multiple adverse childhood experiences on health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *The Lancet Public Health*, 2(8), e356-e366

  3. 3.

    Bethell, C., et al. (2014). Adverse childhood experiences: assessing the impact on health and school engagement and the mitigating role of resilience. *Health Affairs*, 33(12), 2106-2115

Frequently Asked Questions

ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood (0-17 years) including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. The original ACE Study by Felitti et al. (1998) identified 10 categories of adversity that can impact lifelong health and wellbeing.

Research shows a dose-response relationship between ACE scores and health outcomes. Higher scores are associated with increased risk for chronic diseases, mental health issues, and substance use. However, protective factors like social support, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly mitigate these risks.

Absolutely not. Your ACE score is not your destiny. Research on resilience and post-traumatic growth shows that healing is possible at any age. Many people with high ACE scores live healthy, fulfilling lives with appropriate support and evidence-based interventions.

Consider working with trauma-informed mental health professionals, building strong support networks, practicing trauma-informed self-care, and getting regular medical check-ups. Many evidence-based treatments like EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and somatic therapies are highly effective for ACE survivors.

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Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides educational estimates based on established formulas and is not intended as medical advice. Individual results may vary. For personalized guidance, consult with healthcare professionals through our platform.