embrACEing ACEs

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic or stressful events occurring in the first 18 years of life.

Persons with =3ACEs are at high risk of developing significant physical and mental health problems (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, depression, alcohol/drug misuse) in adulthood. Research indicates that ACEs associated problems are consequential of the development of maladaptive coping behaviors (e.g., anxiousness, hopelessness, unforgiving, substance misuse). Such behaviours, while potentially beneficial during times of adversity, become detrimental if they persist after adversity passes.

We cannot unlive ACEs, but we can change how we think about our past and how we relate to our body, mind, and relationships. Research suggests that building resilience and mindfulness in adults, may mitigate persistent ACEs associated maladaptive behaviours. The embrACE program, a psychoeducational group-based intervention, focuses on building people’s protective factors (mindfulness and resilience) while concurrently providing skills for overcoming unhealthy lifestyles. By building protective factors, embrACE seeks to eliminate persistent maladaptive behaviours and improve the health span of persons affected by ACEs.

Objectives
To evaluate the effectiveness of embrACE in improving protective factors and diminishing maladaptive behaviors in adults who have experienced =3 ACEs.

Study Design: Pre-test, post-test impact evaluation study with structured equation modeling

Faculty Supervisor:

Nancy Ross;Robert Gilbert

Student:

Partner:

PRAXES Medical Group;Nova Scotia Health

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

Dalhousie University