Lecture 2: ACEs Prevalence in the UK

Prevalence of ACEs in the UK

• The study by Bellis et al. (2014) in England examined gender, deprivation, and ethnicity differences in ACE prevalence using survey data.

  • Findings: Higher ACE rates were present in individuals from deprived backgrounds.
  • Gender differences were observed with sexual abuse more common in females, and some household adversities more common in males.
  • Ethnic disparities in ACE prevalence were also noted.
  • Discussion: ACEs are closely tied to socioeconomic factors.
  • Requires targeted interventions addressing deprivation-related ACEs.
  • Limitations: Self-reported data may lead to underreporting.

• Ashton et al. (2016) conducted a survey-based study in Wales to investigate ACE prevalence.

  • Findings: Similar trends to England showed deprivation strongly linked to higher ACE rates.
  • Discussion: Highlights the need for social policy changes to mitigate ACE impact.
  • Limitations: Focuses on prevalence but does not assess long-term consequences.

• The Scottish Health Survey (Scottish Government, 2020) assessed ACE prevalence in Scotland.

  • Findings: Similar ACE prevalence patterns exist as in England and Wales.
  • Discussion: Confirms consistency of ACE prevalence across UK regions.
  • Limitations: Lacks detailed demographic breakdown compared to England/Wales studies.

Prevalence of ACEs in the UK: Additional Studies

• Radford et al. (2013) conducted "The UK Childhood Victimization Study"

  • Used a random UK representative sample of 2,160 parents/caregivers, 2,275 children/young people, and 1,761 young adults.
  • Methods: Computer-based self-interviews on childhood victimization.
  • Findings: The study showed the prevalence of childhood neglect across different age groups (under 11, 11-17, 18-24).
  • Availability of data included perpetrator characteristics.
  • Discussion: Highlights the need for more research on demographic-specific ACE experiences (LGBT+, disability).
  • Limitations: Relies on retrospective self-reports, potentially leading to recall bias.

• Austin et al. (2016) studied "ACEs in the LGBT+ Community"

  • Methods: Telephone survey of 711 LGB and 29,690 heterosexual US adults, measured self-reported ACE experiences.
  • Findings: LGB individuals reported significantly higher ACE rates than heterosexuals.
  • Discussion: Suggests increased vulnerability of LGBT+ individuals to childhood adversity.
  • Limitations: US-based study may not generalize to the UK, and sexual orientation self-identification may not capture all experiences.

• Austin et al. (2016) researched "ACEs and Disability"

  • Methods: Telephone survey of 743 US adults with disabilities and 1,304 without disabilities, measured self-reports of ACE experiences.
  • Findings: Adults with disabilities reported significantly higher ACE rates.
  • Discussion: Highlights intersectionality between ACEs and disability.
  • Limitations: Self-reporting may lead to recall bias, and the study does not account for disability onset due to ACEs.

Prevalence of ACEs Globally

• Pereda et al. (2009a) conducted a "Global CSA Meta-Analysis"

  • Methods: Meta-analysis of 65 studies on child sexual abuse (CSA) across 22 countries.
  • Findings: 7.9% of men and 19.7% of women had experienced CSA before age 18.
  • Regional differences in CSA prevalence: Africa (34.4%), America (15.8%), Asia (10.1%), Europe (9.2%), Oceania (23.9%).
  • Discussion: Large variations suggest cultural and reporting differences.
  • Limitations: Definitions of CSA varied across studies.

• Stoltenborgh et al. (2015) conducted a "Global Child Maltreatment Study"

  • Methods: Meta-analysis of 244 studies on child maltreatment (emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect).
  • Findings: 12.7% experienced sexual abuse (7.6% boys, 18% girls).
  • 22.6% experienced physical abuse.
  • 36.3% experienced emotional abuse.
  • 16.3% experienced physical neglect.
  • 18.4% experienced emotional neglect.
  • Discussion: Emotional abuse is more prevalent than sexual or physical abuse.
  • Limitations: Heavy reliance on self-reported data.

Decline in Child Maltreatment Cases

• Finkelhor & Jones (2006, 2012) asked "Is Child Maltreatment Declining?"
  • US and UK data show a decline in child protection cases from 1990-2010.
  • England & Wales: younger adults report lower sexual assault rates than older adults.
  • Discussion: May indicate improved child protection measures.
  • Limitations: Possible underreporting in older generations due to different societal perceptions.

Issues in Measuring the Extent of ACEs

• Pereda et al. (2009b) addressed "Why ACE Estimates Vary"

  • Prevalence rates are influenced by different definitions, broad vs. specific questions, and self-reports vs. face-to-face interviews.
  • Discussion: Research methodology significantly impacts reported ACE rates.
  • Limitations: Lack of standardized definitions across studies.

• The "Original ACE Study" by CDC-Kaiser (1995-1997)

  • Methods: Large-scale US study identifying 10 core ACEs and their lifelong impact.
  • Findings: ACEs strongly correlated with physical and mental health issues in adulthood.
  • Discussion: Landmark study influencing global ACE research.
  • Limitations: US-based; findings may not fully generalize to other countries.

• Hobbs (2005) discussed "Generational Blindness to ACEs"

  • Findings: Older generations may not recognize past experiences as abuse (e.g., viewing physical punishment as discipline).
  • Younger generations may normalize ACEs and not disclose them.
  • Discussion: Readiness to disclose ACEs varies by generational and cultural context.
  • Limitations: Limited empirical data; mostly theoretical discussion.