The relation between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Resilience: Differences in gender and home placement?

Abstract

Introduction: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) negatively impact a child’s resilience. The aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between ACEs and resilience was moderated by gender and out-of-home placement. This pilot study concerns a clinical population of children in care at Koraal, a treatment center for youth with (mild) intellectual disorders, behavior-, and/or psychiatric disorders. When a negative relation is found, the results may contribute to further development of treatment focused on Trauma-Informed Care. Method: A survey and case file study of children aged 5 to 25 years (N = 32) was conducted, for who the number of experienced ACEs and resilience were determined. The data were analyzed through multiple regression analysis. Results: No significant moderation was found for gender or out-of-home placement in the relationship between ACEs and resilience. Actually, the relationship between ACEs and resilience was found to be insignificant. However, a significant gender difference was found in the mean number of ACEs, with girls having experienced more ACEs than boys. Discussion: This study shows that boys and girls in clinical groups seem to differ in the number of ACEs they experienced. No relationship with resilience was found, this may be the result of low power (data were collected during COVID-19). It is also possible that the complexity and impact of out-of- home placement could explain the lack of a significant effect. Overall, these results highlight the importance for further research into different factors that may contribute to a child’s resilience after experiencing ACEs.