Global and inclusive considerations for the future of ACEs research

Abstract

Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can increase the risk of physical, mental, behavioral, and educational difficulties across the lifespan. ACEs research to date has largely had an individualistic approach, considering experience impacting one person within their own family. In order to be more relevant across societies and cultures around the globe, there is a need to build on current ACEs research by also considering broader aspects of the social ecology including individual, societal, and cultural factors. This commentary discusses the limitations of the current ACEs research and the need to also consider social and methodological aspects of adversity. The importance of considering protective factors is also discussed. • Exposure to ACEs can increase the risk of health difficulties across the lifespan. • ACE research has primarily focused on Western and individualistic approaches. • There is a need to include broader aspects of social ecology in ACEs research.