Research
Dyadic Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Counseling Implications for Mental and Relational Health
Naomi J. Wheeler,
Rachel A. Regal,
Sandy-Ann M. Griffith,
Sejal M. Barden,
Corresponding Author
Naomi J. Wheeler
Department of Counseling and Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Naomi J. Wheeler, Department of Counseling and Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1015 West Main Street, Box 842020, Richmond, VA 23284-2020 (email: njwheeler@vcu.edu).Search for more papers by this authorRachel A. Regal
Department of Counseling and Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Search for more papers by this authorSandy-Ann M. Griffith
Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Search for more papers by this authorSejal M. Barden
Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology, University of Central Florida
Search for more papers by this authorNaomi J. Wheeler,
Rachel A. Regal,
Sandy-Ann M. Griffith,
Sejal M. Barden,
Corresponding Author
Naomi J. Wheeler
Department of Counseling and Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Naomi J. Wheeler, Department of Counseling and Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1015 West Main Street, Box 842020, Richmond, VA 23284-2020 (email: njwheeler@vcu.edu).Search for more papers by this authorRachel A. Regal
Department of Counseling and Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Search for more papers by this authorSandy-Ann M. Griffith
Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Search for more papers by this authorSejal M. Barden
Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology, University of Central Florida
Search for more papers by this authorThe data collected for this article were supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance (Grant 90FM0039-01-00). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of DHHS Office of Family Assistance.
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict physical and mental health. We examined dyadic differences in intimate partner relationship health by ACE score among couples with low to moderate income enrolled in a relationship education program. Overall, we found a high prevalence of ACEs, disproportionate representation in the highest risk ACE group, and a significant effect between ACEs and indicators of mental and relational health. Implications for counselors include support for an ACE-informed approach to couples counseling services, as well as a holistic and systemic view of mental and relational health.
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