*WINNER* The Relationship of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Protective and Compensatory Experiences and Children's Flourishing

Abstract

While the widespread negative impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are well researched, information regarding Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs), their relationship to ACEs, and children's ability to flourish is less understood. The specific categories of adversity examined in this study include: hard to financially cover basics; parents separated or divorced; parent died; parent served time in jail; witnessed or experienced physical abuse; lived with anyone who was mentally ill; exposure to substance abuse; and treated or judged unfairly due to race/ethnicity. The categories of protective experiences examined in this study include unconditional love; having a best friend; volunteering; being a part of a group; having a mentor; living in a clean, safe home with enough food; getting an education; having a hobby; regular physical activity; and having rules and routines. Utilizing the 2019 National Survey of Children's Health data, this study explores the relationship between ACEs, PACEs and children's ability to flourish. This study also investigates the theory that PACEs could buffer the negative impacts of adversity by moderating the relationship between ACEs and children's ability to flourish. A better understanding of the relationship between ACEs, PACEs, and flourishing could lead to development of PACEs-related programming and further research regarding how communities can help children build resilience and potentially lessen the impacts of ACEs.