Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—such as neglect, physical or emotional maltreatment, abuse, abandonment, or witnessing domestic violence—are more common than one might think. Since they were first studied in 1998, research has shown that, for example, 6 out of 10 people in the United States experienced at least one adverse experience before turning 18. Without adequate support, ACEs do not only affect the early years but can also have long-term consequences on physical and mental health, limiting future opportunities.
In this article, we discuss the impact of ACEs, the landscape of adversity in Mexico, and what we can do to prevent or mitigate their effects.
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
The 1998 study revealed that ACEs increase the risk of physical, psychological, and social problems. Adults who had grown up in dysfunctional households and experienced four or more ACEs were found to be at higher risk of developing depression, addictions, obesity, diabetes, and cancer, among other health issues.
This is because ACEs can activate stress response systems in both acute and chronic ways. Toxic stress, defined as prolonged exposure to stress factors without sufficient emotional support, can permanently alter a child’s physiology, affecting their development and increasing the risk of illness in adulthood.
The health impact of ACEs is significant. Studies indicate that experiencing four or more ACEs increases the likelihood of developing physical health problems such as migraines, obesity, and hypertension, as well as mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.
Can the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences Be Prevented or Mitigated?
It is crucial to understand that ACEs are not isolated household issues—they affect a large number of children worldwide. The good news is that evidence shows their effects can be counteracted or mitigated through positive childhood experiences.
This means that experiencing trauma does not necessarily lead to negative health outcomes. Having support systems at school, such as teachers or other caring adults, can be a powerful tool in protecting children from the effects of adversity.
That is why, at the Centro de Primera Infancia of Tec de Monterrey and Fundación FEMSA, we have made this issue a priority in our first year of work. Only by understanding the prevalence of ACEs and their local characteristics can we work towards preventing or mitigating them through concrete actions.
As part of La Tríada—a strategic alliance between the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de los Andes, and Tecnológico de Monterrey—we collaborated with Centro Cuida in Chile, which conducted the first national survey on ACEs in the region. In Mexico, we adopted a similar methodology to begin mapping the landscape of ACEs, aiming to design more effective responses to improve child well-being in Latin America.
The Landscape of Adversity in Mexico
This study was presented at the second International Forum on Early Childhood, held on November 20–21, where experts from various fields gathered to analyze the situation of ACEs and guide the implementation of policies and actions to improve children’s futures.
The study included interviews with 1,148 adults aged 18 to 65 and caregivers of 200 children aged 3 to 5 from rural and urban areas and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds across 26 states in Mexico. Among the children, additional assessments were conducted, including weight, height, waist circumference, nutritional status, and hair samples to measure cortisol—known as the stress hormone. Key findings include:
Among Adults:
- Nearly 9 out of 10 adults experienced at least one ACE before turning 18.
- The most common ACEs were physical neglect (60% of cases), followed by emotional neglect (35%).
- 30% were exposed to alcohol or drug abuse and domestic violence, and 15% suffered sexual abuse.
- 22% experienced four or more ACEs.
Among Children:
- 4 out of 10 have experienced at least one ACE, most commonly related to household dysfunction, such as emotional neglect, parental absence or separation, and domestic violence.
- 68.5% of children are raised with some form of physical or psychological violence.
- 1 in 3 children do not have access to children’s books at home.
The diagnosis is harsh, but that is precisely why we cannot let the data discourage us. Now is the time to act. It is essential to adopt an integrated and multisectoral approach that incorporates these findings into public health policies, community programs, education systems, and physical and mental health services.
Access more recommendations in this report and stay tuned for updates from the Centro de Primera Infancia, which will soon release new reports on the impact of toxic stress in childhood to help guide policies and actions that can transform the future for children.
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