Adverse Childhood Experiences, Resilience and Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Abstract

Synopsis US children with emotional, mental, or behavioral conditions (EMB) have disproportionate exposure to potentially traumatizing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (70.7% EMB vs. 46.9% non-EMB). Neuroscience, epigenetic, developmental, social, epidemiologic, and other sciences provide theoretical and empirical explanations for observed early and lifelong physical, mental, emotional, educational, and social impacts of the trauma and chronic stress that can result from ACEs. Together, these sciences point to possibilities to strengthen families and promote child resilience and school and life success using mindfulness-based, mind-body approaches (MBMB) that neuroscience and other studies show promote healthy regulation of stress, resilience, and healing from emotional trauma. This paper examines US population-based associations between prevalence of EMB, ACEs, and risk regulating protective factors that are potentially malleable using MBMB, such as child resilience, parental coping and stress, and parent-child engagement. US rates of MBMB use among children with EMB are estimated. Findings encourage family-centered and mindfulness-based approaches to address social and emotional trauma and potentially interrupt intergenerational cycles of ACEs and prevalence of EMB among children and youth.

Methods to Assess Adverse Childhood Experiences of Children and Families: Toward Approaches to Promote Child Well-being in Policy and Practice

“…This lower rate is similarly predictive of whether a child has an EMB problem, defined using similar methods as reported in recent studies. 28 We found that among children with 4 or more ACEs, 37% are identified as having EMB for the reduced NSCH-ACEs compared with 39% with EMB for the full NSCH-ACEs (adjusted odds ratios are 4.65 and 5.02 respectively). As shown in Figure 2, multivariate regression analyses reveal that although the 3 topics in question are less predictive, individual NSCH-ACEs items do not vary dramatically in their power to predict whether a child has an EMB problem and that cumulative NSCH-ACEs scores are more powerful predictors compared with any single item.…”

“…28 Findings from this earlier study were replicated for each of the outcomes of focus in this analysis (CSHCN-More Complex, EMB, School Engagement, Resilience). Figure 3 shows findings for the “More complex CSHCN” outcome variable.…”

“…Research on variations in the effect of ACEs point to the importance of protective factors, like nurturing relationships, teaching children how to be resilient, and supportive school and community environments, which can be viewed as falling outside of the purview of children’s health services. 9,28–36 This can be true although national Bright Futures health promotion guidelines recommend pediatric providers address family psychosocial issues, like ACEs, and proactively promote healthy family relationships, resilience, and supportive community and school environments. 37 …”

The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing the Adverse Effects of Childhood Stress and Trauma

“…Less parenting stress, increased parental warmth, and increased parental attention to their children may also contribute to buffering against the poor health outcomes associated with ACEs [10,91]. Given the number of studies that suggest mindfulness may reduce parental dismissal of their children, mindful parenting may also contribute to resilience against trauma [92].…”

“…It may be beneficial to consider methodology of mindfulness implementation that addresses their caretakers. Given that mindful parenting yields reduced parental stress, with increased parental warmth toward their children [10,91], suggests that mindful parenting training should also be included in interventions for youth. However, many caretakers are involved in influencing children.…”