Study: Adverse Childhood Experiences Can Be Prevented With Culturally Relevant Programming for Families

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) linked to numerous health problems disproportionally impact children who are low income and from Indigenous backgrounds. A new study in the September 2024 Pediatrics (published online Aug. 13), “Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Sample of Largely Indigenous Children,” found that a Lakota-grounded program for low-income and Indigenous families can effectively prevent adverse childhood experiences. Researchers developed and then studied the effectiveness of a program called Tiwahe Wicagwicayapi, Lakota for strengthening families. The programming, seven 2.5-hour sessions beginning with a family meal, were led by Indigenous adults and elders and included activities to promote family bonding, skill development, cultural identity, and social support. The study involved 124 families with 194 children ages 10 to 14, and 96% identified as Indigenous and 90% reported a yearly income less than $40,000. In a 6-month follow-up, families in the program had a 36% lower incidence rate of adverse childhood experiences compared to the control group. Families who participated in the program had reduced caregiver depression, use of harsh parenting, and intimate partner violence. It also reduced bullying and depression among the children. Study authors concluded this type of program is effective in preventing adverse childhood experiences and may provide additional benefits beyond ACES prevention, but that more research is needed to determine the long-term impacts.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.