Research Alert: May 18, 2016

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Rural and Urban Contexts

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are disturbances in family relationships that deprive children of the security and emotional support they need for healthy development. Although a recent report by the Health Resources and Service Administration indicated that rural children have higher rates of ACEs than their urban peers, we know of no studies examining rural-urban differences in adults' exposure to ACEs. This study was designed to address this research gap and to inform health system initiatives geared toward mitigating the impacts of ACEs on rural populations.

Additional Resources of Interest:

• More information about the Maine Rural Health Research Center
• More information from the Rural Health Information Hub's topic guides: Mental Health, Social Determinants of Health