Positive Childhood Experiences May Protect Against Pandemic Stress

A study during the depths of the pandemic offers some evidence that positive childhood experiences may help mitigate stresses from the coronavirus pandemic. The researchers used the Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCE) scale, which measures experiences such as having a caregiver with whom the child felt safe, having one good friend, enjoying school, having a caring teachers, and having a predictable home routine. They also measured Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), using the original CDC/Kaiser Permanent study.

This 2021 study found that higher ACEs scores were significantly associated with greater depression. By contrast, BCEs were associated with a wider range of benefits, specifically lower depression, stress, and loneliness. The study also indicated that ACEs and BCEs operated independently of one another, meaning that children who had suffered adverse experiences could nevertheless benefit from simultaneous or later positive experiences.

Like all studies, this one has some limitations. It was an online study of a self-selecting sample and captured subjective memories and emotIons. Nevertheless, it is in line with other mental health research and offers another data point about the ability of positive childhood experiences to help counteract trauma.

The takeaway for youth-serving organizations is that the nature of the positive experiences is well within our ability to provide for our clients. The BCE scale measures simple things such as a teacher who cares about children, an adult outside the family who provides support and advice, and a predictable routine. Building these relationships should be part of our mission anyway, and are more important now than before the pandemic. Our work will be an important part of getting our kids back to normal.