Positive Childhood and Adult Experiences protect against the effects of trauma in individuals. Using trauma-informed approaches, positive experiences can also help organizations build resilience, foster connection, and thrive when faced with trauma.
ACEs in Review
Many of you are likely familiar with the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. These are overwhelming or traumatic experiences that occur in childhood and can profoundly shape physical health, behavior, and mental well-being well into adulthood.
The landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, published in May 1998 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, highlighted these connections. Drs. Felitti and Anda’s groundbreaking research examined the relationship between childhood abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction with adult health outcomes. Their findings demonstrated a strong, dose-response link: the more ACEs an individual experienced, the greater their risk for chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. This study laid the foundation for understanding how negative early-life experiences can shape lifelong health trajectories.
The Science of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
As the evidence of trauma’s lasting effects became irrefutable, researchers began asking an important question: Could positive experiences have similarly enduring, protective effects?
Emerging research into Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) has revealed encouraging answers. The science shows that PCEs not only mitigate the negative outcomes of ACEs but also promote resilience and well-being, even in individuals who have faced significant adversity.
One key study, conducted in 2019 with 6,188 adults in Wisconsin, found that PCEs had a significant protective impact on mental health. The research demonstrated a dose-response effect: the more PCEs individuals reported, the lower their likelihood of experiencing depression or other mental health challenges, even when their ACE scores were high. Adults who reported six or seven PCEs had 72% lower odds of reporting depression or mental illness compared to those with only one or two PCEs.
This is not an isolated finding. A growing body of research supports the idea that positive experiences—supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, and feelings of safety—serve as a buffer against the damaging effects of early trauma. PCEs are consistently protective, regardless of how many ACEs a person has experienced.
Who Was There for You?
Positive Childhood Experiences are rooted in relationships and connection. A helpful framework for understanding PCEs is the seven questions that assess these critical experiences:
The ability to talk with family about feelings
The sense that family is supportive during difficult times
Enjoyment of participation in community traditions
Feeling a sense of belonging in high school
Feeling supported by friends
Having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely cared
Feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home
These questions underscore the essential role of connection in fostering resilience. A strong support system, whether it’s within the family, school, or community, can significantly influence how individuals cope with and recover from adversity.
Positive Adult Experiences (PAEs)
The principles of connection and support don’t stop in childhood. Adults, too, benefit from positive experiences that foster a sense of safety, belonging, and purpose. Timing is important, but the core needs of humans remain consistent throughout life.
In fact, a 2023 study found that Positive Adult Experiences (PAEs) offer similar protective benefits as PCEs. Among 435 adults, those with high PAEs had lower odds of experiencing moderate-to-severe anxiety or depression, even when they had high ACE scores and low PCE scores. This suggests that it’s never too late to experience the transformative effects of positive relationships and environments.
These experiences emphasize that healing and resilience are lifelong processes, and positive changes in adulthood can still have profound effects on mental and physical health.
Address the Negative, Grow the Positive
The study of ACEs taught us the importance of addressing and reducing negative experiences to protect long-term health. But the science of PCEs and PAEs has broadened our understanding: It’s not just about avoiding harm but actively creating environments where positive experiences can thrive.
For children and adults alike, safety, connection, and belonging are crucial. When we focus on fostering these elements—at home, in schools, and in workplaces—we set the stage for lasting well-being and resilience.
Applying PAEs to Your Organization
The concepts of trauma and resilience apply not only to individuals but also to organizations. Just as individuals can experience and heal from trauma, organizations can cultivate positive experiences to build resilience, foster innovation, and safeguard against future challenges.
Promoting organizational resilience is a collective equivalent to positive individual experiences (child or adult). By prioritizing emotional safety, fostering trust, and promoting collaboration, organizations create an environment where employees feel valued and supported. This, in turn, improves decision-making, increases productivity, and strengthens organizational culture.
Conclusion
“Getting what is good in life entails a lot more than eliminating what’s bad.” – Martin Seligman, The Hope Circuit
While ACEs have helped us recognize the long-term impacts of trauma, the science of PCEs and PAEs offers a path to resilience. By addressing negative experiences and intentionally fostering positive ones, we can become healthier, more resilient individuals and organizations.
For more on the benefits of becoming trauma-informed, read: Discover the Power of Trauma-Informed Change: Transforming Lives & Organizations