Strengthening our understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in a Native American community

Native American communities are strong and resilient in the face of ongoing colonization and historical trauma. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to an array of negative health outcomes, but the bulk of research in this area has not focused on investigating ACEs in a Native American context. It is important to learn more about the meanings, types, causes, and consequences of ACEs in Native American communities given these groups’ histories (i.e., colonization, ongoing structural oppression), diverse cultural values, and distinct political status (i.e., sovereign nations). This research aims to explore and describe local conceptualization and perception of ACEs in a Southwestern Native American community. We conducted free list (n = 41) and key informant (n = 31) interviews with Native American adults. Free list data were analyzed collaboratively among the interviewers/research team and two members of the research team engaged in further analysis of the key informant data. Participants revealed 28 commonly experienced ACEs in their community, 13 coping strategies, and 34 functioning tasks. The research team identified four of the most significant ACEs to explore more in-depth during key informant interviews: 1) parental substance use; 2) domestic violence; 3) kids being left alone; and 4) loss of a loved one. Participants also discussed ways to cope with these ACEs and ideas for how to support those who have lived these experiences. The findings are an important start to building an evidence base for understanding and intervening on ACEs in Native American communities.