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June 17, 2026Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy

Development of an adverse childhood experience (ACE) index to help explain adult physical health, mental health, and receiving needed emotional support.

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Authors

RMRay M. MerrillESElaine N. Scott

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Overview

Randomized trial develops an ACE index predicting adult health and emotional support needs.

Key Points

  • The aim is to create an ACE index and evaluate its link to adult health and emotional support.
  • Utilized 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.
  • Analyzed data adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, and income.
  • Assessed associations using regression analysis.
  • Higher ACE index scores correlated with increased frequency of needing emotional support (p<0.001).
  • Average ACE scores decreased with older age (adjustments made for demographic variables).
  • Stronger predictions of adult poor mental and physical health were made using the ACE index than demographic factors.

Cite This Study

Merrill et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a323b4cd50b63ecad205e66https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0002208
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Associations between adverse childhood experiences and family health in adulthood: a national cross-sectional analysis2026
  2. 2Adverse Childhood Experiences, Substance Use, and Poor Mental Health Among the U.S. Adult Population2024 · 3 citations
  3. 3The association of adverse childhood experiences with household income, educational attainment and partnered status among adults aged 30-392024 · 4 citations
  4. 4The Moderating Role of Social and Emotional Support in the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental Health Across Racial Groups: the Need for Investing in Social Capital2026
  5. 5Childhood Adversity and Health in Emerging Adulthood2026