Measuring Adverse Childhood Experiences in Youth: Metric Development Using a Statewide Youth Survey

1. Introduction Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood and adolescence, such as abuse, neglect, household violence, parental substance misuse, or family instability. These experiences are strongly associated with negative health, educational, and social outcomes across the lifespan. While much of the research on ACEs has focused on adult populations, there is growing recognition of the need to measure and address ACEs early —while young people are still in school—so that timely interventions can be implemented. A statewide youth survey provides a powerful and systematic way to collect data directly from adolescents. By developing a standardized ACEs metric specifically for youth, researchers can better capture the prevalence, patterns, and impact of early adversity. This helps policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers design evidence-based strategies to promote resilience, well-being, and long-term positiv...