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  • Essay / Adverse Childhood Experiences in Wales

    This literature review aims to summarize previous existing research on adverse childhood experiences, identifying different topics and themes that will help to structure my thesis on the theme of adverse childhood experiences in Wales. Researching existing literature on the topic will provide insight into key concepts and allow for a better understanding of the topic. Its goals are to review the literature on adverse childhood experiences and critically analyze the information collected by “identifying gaps in current knowledge; by showing the limits of theories and points of view; and formulating areas for further research.” Throughout this literature review, adverse childhood experiences will continue to be referred to as ACEs. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'?Get the original essayPublic Health Wales, in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University, carried out the first study into adverse gaming experiences childhood in Wales in 2015, which included 2,028 participants aged 18. -69 years old. The study's initial analysis aimed to identify the link between harmful health behaviors and ACEs experienced during childhood. The study concluded that a significant proportion of the Welsh population suffered from various ACEs during their upbringing, with 47% reporting experiencing at least one ACE and 14% reporting experiencing four or more ACEs during their childhood. Growing evidence shows that adverse childhood experiences affect health throughout adulthood, often caused by the self-inflicted development of health-damaging behavioral habits. The greater the exposure to ACEs, the higher the risk of developing such behaviors. Children exposed to ACEs during poor quality education and childhood are more likely to enter adulthood with the development of health-damaging and antisocial behaviors. Children who experience multiple ACEs develop harmful health behaviors, such as substance abuse, smoking, poor diet, and risky sexual behavior. The same negative experiences, often in adolescence, can inflict antisocial behavior, including violence and aggressive behavior. Statistics published by Public Health Wales show that for every 100 adults in Wales, 47 experienced at least one form of ACE during their childhood, and 14 in 100 experienced four or more ACEs. Compared to those who have not undergone ACE, those who have had 4 or more experiences are 4 times more likely to be high-risk drinkers, 6 times more likely to smoke, have had sex with minors or having had or provoked involuntary sexual relations. teenage pregnancy. People with multiple ACE experiences are also 11 times more likely to have smoked cannabis, 14 times more likely to have been either the perpetrator or victim of violence in the past 12 months, and 20 times more likely likely to have been incarcerated at some point as an adult. According to Public Health Wales, preventing ACEs could reduce both the impact and influence of harmful health behaviors in Wales, as well as improve the early years of Wales' children in future generations. Preventing ACEs could reduce levels of “Class A” substance abuse by 66%, incarceration by 65%, past year violence perpetration or victimization by 60%, unwanted pregnancies among teenage girls of 41%, high risks and problematic alcohol consumption by 35%. , sex with minors by 31% and levels of smoking, tobacco or electronic cigarettes, by 24%. The Public Health Wales report also establishes that experiencing ACEs during childhood and adolescence can affect a child's development, leading to long-term effects. on the individual as an adult. Research shows that exposure to ACE inhibitors affects the development of a child's brain as well as their immunological, nervous and hormonal systems. This relates to ACEs' exposure to a wide range of health problems in later years, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Recent evidence shows that chronic exposure to traumatic experiences in the early years of childhood can impair brain development, fundamentally altering the nervous, hormonal, and immunological systems. Disruptions to a child's neurodevelopment, when exposed to routine ACEs, can result in the individual being "locked into a higher state of alertness, fundamentally preparing them for constant trauma." This would have negative and lasting effects on their mental well-being. This literature from Public Health Wales shows strong relevance to my planned research as it contains the general knowledge about ACEs and the statistics to follow. Having an understanding of the topic will allow me to expand my knowledge on it, ultimately shaping my thesis question. The study conducted by Public Health Wales is beneficial to my research because it is recent and factual. It brings together an understanding of the subject in Wales and highlights themes appropriate to my research. In terms of education, children eligible for free school meals are less likely to achieve higher GCSE grades and continue their education. This is considered a cycle. Children who achieve lower GCSE grades are more likely to struggle with their employment prospects, which ultimately affects their income and life opportunities, widening social inequalities. Children eligible for free school meals are more likely to be exposed to ACEs than those from higher-income families. “Individuals' engagement in education, their ability to acquire qualifications and, ultimately, their contribution to the economy can all be affected by the combination of anti-social behaviour, difficulties in social adjustment and poor health ". Evidence links child abuse and neglect to lower levels of education, employment and income. Lower levels of education lead to poorer employment prospects, which ultimately affects individuals' income. Household income would then determine the type of household the individual would occupy. When it comes to social housing, those who live in social housing are often the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. These people are more likely to be socially excluded than those in owner-occupied households. For this reason and my experience with a housing association, I intend to link my research into adverse childhood experiences with social housing. The goal of my thesis is to uncover the impact of ACEs and find a prevention protocol that can help minimize ACEs. Successfully addressing the impact of ACEs requires a better understanding of the issue. This would require collecting data and assessing prevention needs. According to SAMSHA, building relationships with community organizations..