Protective Childhood Experiences (PCEs)

The ACEs study in 1997 brought to light the prevalence of trauma in childhood experiences. Since this time, several follow up studies have been conducted to address the impact on health outcomes such as physical health, mental health, and addictions. The information from the study is extremely valuable and helps to understand the three E's of trauma informed care (event, experience, effect).

Where the study focuses on adversity, attention needs to also be given to the protective factors that may have played a role in the process. We all have resiliency and protective factors or the adversity that we have faced would have had more drastic consequences. Even the most adverse circumstances have challenged us to rely on protective and resiliency factors.

One such tool to utilize is the PCEs, or the protective childhood experiences. These are the factors that may lessen the impact and occurrence of mental health, physical health, and addiction in later life. Like the ACEs, the PCEs are subjective in reporting and based on the individual experience.

The PCEs are divided into two domains: supportive relationships and enriching resources. As with the ACEs, the questions are reflective of the time period of 0 - 18 years of age. Scoring is the similar to the ACEs - yes responses are 1 point and points are cumulated at the end. The higher the PCE score, the more protective factors are present and can be considered in the impact of toxic stress.

Research on PCEs are ongoing and much more can be written about them. Continual research and insight on application will be available as it develops. Please stay tuned.