Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health and Economic Outcomes

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence adult health and well-being. While ACEs are linked to chronic disease and poor mental health, PCEs have been shown to build resilience and promote positive outcomes. This study investigated associations between PCEs and adult health, socioeconomic outcomes, and whether ACEs moderate these relationships.

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Publication Information

Authors

Maria Aslam, PhD, MPH, Dina Burstein, MD, MPH*, Kelsey Hannan, BA*, Phyllis Holditch Niolon, PhD, Elizabeth A. Swedo, MD, MPH, Ghenet Besera, PhD, MPH, Christina Bethell, PhD, Jennifer Jones, MSW, Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba, PhD, Robert Sege, MD, PhD, FAAP*

*Affiliated with the HOPE National Resource Center

Journal

Pediatrics

Publication Date

13 May 2026

Keywords

positive childhood experiences, PCEs, adult health outcomes, adverse childhood experiences, ACEs, behavioral risk factor surveillance system, BRFS, BRFSS, HOPE framework, health risks, chronic conditions, socioeconomic outcomes

Citation

Aslam M, Burstein D, Hannan K, Niolon PH, Swedo EA, Besera G, Bethell C, Jones J, Ettinger de Cuba S, Sege R. Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health and Economic Outcomes. Pediatrics. May 2026. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2025-074543