Modèles descriptifs de l’adversité vécue durant l’enfance (Adverse Childhood Experiences) et implications pour la recherche : état des lieux et perspectives

Abstract

The literature in the field of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) has, since the seminal study begun in 1998 by Felitti and his team, provided the link between childhood adversity and the emergence of health problems in adulthood. This relationship between life history and health is based on a cumulative risk model. Since then, different models have been proposed, but for most studies, the cumulative adversity model is the main one considered. This model, although relevant, has important limitations that must be taken into account. It therefore seems essential to take stock of the existing models in the literature in consideration of their interests and their limitations in order to better understand the relationship between adversity experienced during childhood and health in adulthood. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the most relevant models in the literature so as to understand their importance for research in the field. Finally, we will put the data of the literature into perspective to propose the deployment of more precise research approaches in the field of ACEs.