Developing the Concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Global Perspective.

The relationship between health and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been a major topic in the field of healthcare. In recent years, the study ACEs and health has expanded internationally. The purpose of this study was to further develop the concept of ACEs using a global perspective. Rodgers' Evolutionary Model guided the study. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO databases were searched. A total of 39 publications were selected for review. Development of the concept was achieved using a wide global lens. ACEs are influenced by diverse cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors that affect individuals' health worldwide. The developed ACEs concept described in this paper includes a global perspective, adding context to the existing definition, thus broadening its application, and expanding its usefulness in international research. A clear concept for ACEs is valuable to nurses who care for children, adolescents and young adults around the world, who have suffered from ACEs and seek health care. • Adverse childhood experiences have been a major topic in the field of healthcare • The study of ACEs and health has expanded internationally, indicating global concerns for their effects on health • This paper adds to the body of knowledge by providing further development of the concept of ACEs using a wider global lens • An expanded definition is provided, ACEs are influenced by multiple factors that affect individuals' health worldwide [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]