The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Personality And Mental Health

INTRODUCTION Childhood experiences lay down a critical foundation for one's whole course of life. Quality of these experiences depends on the attitude and behaviour of family, community, and society towards children. Optimal child well-being is achieved only in safe, nurturing, and stable environments (Boynton-Jarrett, Ryan, Berkman & Wright, 2008). According to Anda (2009) "Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are any stressful or traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction with a serious impact on child's health, well-being and development throughout life". 'Childhood' is a term that has been defined in various ways to suit the purpose in various circumstances when it comes to the context of legal and constitutional provisioning though one in every five individuals under 18 years (The Planning Commission, 2012) in the world belongs to India. About 42 % of India's total population is under 18 years (Census India, 2011) and they require care and protection (MoWCD, 2007). Out of 42%, adolescents alone share 21%. About 40% of India's children are at risk of threats such as forced labor, homelessness, trafficking, drug abuse, and crime (The Planning Commission, 2012). Youth is a stage of significance in the developmental cycle of every human being as it is characterized by the process of individuation from the family and becoming a productive citizen in the society. While ¾ of Indian population is under 40 years, in Kerala which is home to 0.03% of population of the country, where 52% live in rural areas and 48% in urban areas, it is about 50%. Adolescents in Kerala constitute about 16% and 16% of Keralite population belong to 15-24 years (Census India, 2011). Students in Higher Secondary schools and colleges are typically in this stage. Conceptual definitions of ACEs and child maltreatment Adverse childhood experiences "Adverse Childhood Experiences are stressful or traumatic experiences in childhood and may be one or more of emotional, physical and or sexual abuse, physical and or emotional neglect, or arise from household dysfunction, due to substance misuse and,