Date

7-22-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Laura Rolen

Keywords

Qualitative, ACEs, Attachment Styles, Intergenerational Trauma, Phenomenological

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Many individuals are impacted by ACEs at some point during their childhood. Researchers claimed that ACEs can be prevented; however, there are multiple factors that increase the risk of exposure to childhood adversity, which makes prevention and treatment more difficult. Childhood trauma can cause lasting problems that impact many areas of life and multiple generations. Attachment styles are formed early in life and shape how individuals respond in relationships and situations throughout their lives, including those with their future children. This study used a qualitative method to explore ACEs, attachment styles, intergenerational trauma, and how the intensity and timing of ACEs impacted their individual experiences. Interviews were conducted with 9 parents, ages 21 and older, with childhood maltreatment history and a child aged five and up. Exploring individual ACEs in-depth provided a deeper understanding of the timing and intensity of those experiences and the variability in the outcomes, which addressed gaps in ACE research. Findings revealed that all participants were able to heal their trauma except the 3 out of 4 sexual abuse victims. Two of the sexual abuse victims had the most intense experiences reported in the study. Their experiences led to a significant difference in the outcomes of their ACEs compared to the other participants, which included their children experiencing similar abuse experiences.

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