Gender Differences in Mental Health Outcomes for Individuals with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been researched extensively over the past few decades. Previous research has been shown to indicate that the higher a person’s ACE score (i.e., the number of traumatic situations the person notes experiencing) the higher their risk for developing serious health conditions. Past studies have gone on to detail the variety of mental, emotional, behavioral, and even physical consequences of trauma on children and adults. This study aims to explore gender-based differences in the long-lasting effects of trauma on individuals who have 1 or more ACEs. The current research uses a sample of currently enrolled college students at a rural, Southeastern university to determine if ACEs exposure results in different mental health outcomes for men and women, and provide guidance in how to provide better intervention strategies for victims.

Authors

• Alexis Jordan, Western Carolina University

• Tasha Youstin, Western Carolina University