Dyadic Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Counseling Implications for Mental and Relational Health

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict physical and mental health. We examined dyadic differences in intimate partner relationship health by ACE score among couples with low to moderate income enrolled in a relationship education program. Overall, we found a high prevalence of ACEs, disproportionate representation in the highest risk ACE group, and a significant effect between ACEs and indicators of mental and relational health. Implications for counselors include support for an ACE‐informed approach to couples counseling services, as well as a holistic and systemic view of mental and relational health.

Australian Maltreated Infants and Young Children Can Achieve Positive Relational Health With Neurodevelopmentally- and Trauma-Informed Interventions Provided Within Relationally-Positive and Stable Environments

“…For the purpose of this study, relational health refers to the number of connections a child has in their life as well as the quality and the lived experience of these connections for the child. Wheeler et al ( 71 ) examined the effect between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and indicators of mental and relational health. “ACEs include abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction ranging from a parent/household member with a mental illness to parental divorce” Wheeler et al [( 71 ); p. 24].…”

“…Wheeler et al ( 71 ) examined the effect between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and indicators of mental and relational health. “ACEs include abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction ranging from a parent/household member with a mental illness to parental divorce” Wheeler et al [( 71 ); p. 24]. Wheeler et al ( 71 ) found that ACEs were predicative of social impairments and lower overall relationship quality amongst adults.…”

“…“ACEs include abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction ranging from a parent/household member with a mental illness to parental divorce” Wheeler et al [( 71 ); p. 24]. Wheeler et al ( 71 ) found that ACEs were predicative of social impairments and lower overall relationship quality amongst adults. They recommended that “interventions be aimed at reducing overall relationship stress as a primary prevention strategy” (p. 26).…”

Dyadic links between adverse childhood experiences, mindfulness, and relationship quality in a diverse sample of couples

“…Along with physical and mental health outcomes, more recent studies of ACEs link childhood adversity to lower couple satisfaction and higher rates of divorce/separation (Wheeler et al, 2020(Wheeler et al, , 2021Whisman, 2006), as well as perpetration and victimization of intimate partner violence (Whitfield et al, 2013). Some evidence of dyadic influences of ACEs among couples also exists.…”

“…Some evidence of dyadic influences of ACEs among couples also exists. In one study, men’s and women’s ACEs were negatively associated with their own and their partners’ couple relationship functioning (i.e., satisfaction and effort; Wheeler et al, 2021) and in a process study on ACEs and health, men’s, but not women’s, ACEs were inversely linked to their partners’ relationship quality when testing relationship quality as a mediator of the dyadic associations between ACEs and health (Wheeler et al, 2020).…”