Do I Have Childhood Trauma Quiz
Friday, July 12, 2024.
Understanding your past can be a crucial step in healing and personal growth. This quiz is designed to help you explore potential childhood trauma.
Inspired by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, this quiz will guide you through a series of questions to evaluate your experiences.
Remember, this quiz is not a substitute for professional advice but can be a starting point for understanding your history.
Quiz: Assessing Childhood Trauma
Instructions: Answer the following questions honestly. Each "Yes" answer indicates a potential area of concern.
Emotional Abuse
Did a parent or other adult in the household often swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you?
Did a parent or other adult in the household act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?
Physical Abuse
Did a parent or other adult in the household often push, grab, slap, or throw something at you?
Did a parent or other adult in the household ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?
Sexual Abuse
Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way?
Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?
Emotional Neglect
Did you often feel that no one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special?
Did you feel that your family didn’t look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?
Physical Neglect
Did you often feel that you didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you?
Were your parents too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?
Household Dysfunction
Was a biological parent ever lost to you through divorce, abandonment, or other reason?
Was your mother or stepmother often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her?
Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs?
Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?
Did a household member go to prison?
Scoring Legend
0-2 Points: Low Risk
Your answers suggest a lower likelihood of childhood trauma. It’s important to remember that everyone's experiences and reactions are different. Consider talking to a mental health professional if you have concerns.
3-5 Points: Moderate Risk
Your score indicates moderate risk. You may have experienced significant stressors during your childhood. Seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist could be beneficial in addressing these issues.
6+ Points: High Risk
Your answers indicate a high likelihood of childhood trauma. This level of trauma might have long-term impacts on your health and well-being. It’s highly recommended that you seek professional help to explore these issues further.
Useful Resources
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Provides information on childhood trauma and treatment options.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Offers resources for trauma and mental health.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Features articles and resources on mental health, including childhood trauma.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - ACEs Study
Provides comprehensive information on the ACE study and its findings.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Understanding your past is the first step towards healing and creating a healthier future.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., ... & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
Anda, R. F., Butchart, A., Felitti, V. J., & Brown, D. W. (2010). Building a framework for global surveillance of the public health implications of adverse childhood experiences. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 39(1), 93-98.
Dube, S. R., Anda, R. F., Felitti, V. J., Edwards, V. J., & Croft, J. B. (2001). Childhood abuse, household dysfunction, and the risk of attempted suicide throughout the life span: Findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. JAMA, 286(24), 3089-3096.
