Date

11-13-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Tracy N. Baker

Keywords

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), ACEs implications, health, PTSD, childhood trauma, mental health, children, adult health perceptions

Disciplines

Counseling | Education

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic incidents or circumstances children face before age 18 that often manifest as physical and mental health illnesses in adulthood, disproportionately affecting survivors from lower socioeconomic classes, specifically communities of color. This study examines the prevalence and type of illnesses stemming from ACEs in adult patients sampled from a North Carolina public health center, where patients are of lower socioeconomic classes, including those from communities of color. Semi structured interviews among 14 participants were conducted using the Zoom meetings platform to obtain responses from the participants. The results show significant mental health consequences, including early depressive symptoms, emotional withdrawal, low self-esteem, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and anger management issues. Concerning mental health, mood alteration, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts were found to be relatively common among participants while physical health issues included migraines, obesity, hypertension, diabetes type 2, and congestive heart failure. Participants mentioned trust issues and the continuation of psychological problems. The study emphasizes the severity and longevity of ACEs’ effect on the health of adults, thus the importance of mental health treatment and practices that are sensitive to trauma. Future research should investigate potential ways to enhance support systems for the population with ACEs with regard to lasting implications of childhood trauma.

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