What Is the ACES Test?

The ACES test refers to the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. It is a research study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente. The study aimed to investigate the long-term impacts of childhood trauma on physical and mental health outcomes.

The ACES test is a questionnaire that assesses a person’s exposure to various types of adverse experiences during childhood. It consists of ten questions that cover different categories of adverse childhood experiences. These would include abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), neglect (emotional, physical). As well as any household dysfunction (substance abuse, mental illness, parental separation, domestic violence).

ACES Test Consists of 10 Questions

The ACES test consists of the following 10 questions:

1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you? Or act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?
2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often push, grab, slap, or throw something at you? Or ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?
3. Did an adult or person at least five years older than you ever touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way? Or attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?
4. Did you often or very often feel that no one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special? Or that your family didn’t look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?
5. Did you often or very often feel that you didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, or had no one to protect you? Or your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?
6. Did you lose a parent through divorce, abandonment, or other reason?
7. Was your mother or stepmother often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her? Or sometimes or often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard? Or ever repeatedly hit at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife?
8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic or who used street drugs?
9. Did a household member suffer from depression, mental illness or attempt suicide?
10. Did a household member go to prison?

Assessing Results of ACES Test

Each “yes” response to these questions represents one adverse childhood experience. The cumulative score reflects the individual’s total number of ACEs. Higher ACE scores correlate with a greater risk of a wide range of negative health outcomes.  These could include chronic physical and mental health conditions, substance abuse, and social problems.

Please note that the ACES test is a screening tool. It does not provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s experiences or their current well-being. In addition, it serves as a starting point for understanding the potential impacts of childhood trauma and can be useful in raising awareness and informing interventions to support individuals who have experienced adversity in their early lives.

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