Childhood Trauma (ACE) test: what it measures and how to interpret your score

In brief : This test draws on the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) questionnaire developed by Drs.

This test draws on the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) questionnaire developed by Drs. Felitti and Anda. It explores four dimensions of adverse childhood experiences: maltreatment, neglect, family dysfunction, and the impact on your current life. Research shows that these experiences are closely linked to physical and mental health in adulthood. Understanding your experience is an essential step in beginning a healing process.

What the test measures

• Experiences of physical, psychological, or verbal violence endured during childhood.
• Lack of care, attention, and response to the child's fundamental needs.
• Unstable family environment marked by addiction, domestic violence, or mental illness.
• Consequences of childhood trauma on your current physical health, mental health, and relationships.

How to interpret your score

Your result reads as an intensity, not a diagnosis:

• Low adverse experiences : Your score indicates a low level of adverse childhood experiences. Your environment was generally protective and stable.
• Moderate adverse experiences : You experienced moderate adverse experiences during childhood. Certain aspects of your development were affected, but you have developed resilience mechanisms.
• Significant adverse experiences : You experienced significant adverse experiences during childhood. These traumas have left deep marks that require therapeutic attention.
• Severe adverse experiences : You experienced severe and multiple adverse experiences during childhood. Therapeutic care is essential to prevent long-term consequences on your health and well-being.

What your full report includes

Beyond the 5 free questions, the detailed PDF report (from EUR 1.99) includes:

• Introduction : This report analyzes your adverse childhood experiences (ACE) across four dimensions. Scientific research shows that these experiences have a direct impact on physical and mental health in adulthood. Understanding your experience is the first step toward healing.
• Global Score : Your global score of {{globalScore}}% reflects the cumulative intensity of your adverse childhood experiences and their residual impact on your current life.
• Dimension Analysis : Each dimension is analyzed individually to provide a complete picture of your experiences and their consequences.
• Recommendations : Four validated therapeutic pathways for complex trauma: (1) EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — Francine Shapiro) — proven efficacy for PTSD (meta-analyses) and simple traumas; 60-90min sessions with EMDR-certified practitioner. (2) Trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Processing Therapy by Resick, Prolonged Exposure by Edna Foa) — work on traumatic cognitions and graded imaginal exposure. (3) Somatic approaches — Somatic Experiencing (Levine), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Pat Ogden), for pre-verbal or body-intrusive traumas. Trauma-sensitive yoga (van der Kolk). (4) Internal Family Systems (IFS, Richard Schwartz) — particularly adapted to complex trauma and dissociation. Trauma work awakens intense emotions: a trauma-trained therapist is ESSENTIAL, do not venture alone. Healing is possible but takes time (2-7 years). In case of suicidal thoughts, contact your local emergency services or find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com; if you fear for a child, reach a child protection helpline (also listed on findahelpline.com).
• Resources : Childhood trauma is studied under the Adverse Childhood Experiences framework (ACE — Felitti & Anda 1998, Kaiser/CDC study on 17,000 people). Scales: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28 by Bernstein), Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q 10 items). Major authors: Bessel van der Kolk (« The Body Keeps the Score »), Judith Herman (« Trauma and Recovery »), Bruce Perry (« What Happened to You? » with Oprah Winfrey), Peter Levine (somatic experiencing), Francine Shapiro (EMDR). Mechanisms: HPA axis dysregulation, medial prefrontal cortex hypoactivation, amygdalar hyperactivation, epigenetic alterations (Yehuda). Long-term consequences: increased risk of depression, anxiety, addictions, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders. ACE score statistically predicts numerous health outcomes.

The first 5 questions are free; the full personalised report (your precise score, your profile per dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in trauma, ACE, adverse experiences and want to see more clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before talking to a professional if needed.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 35 questions, about 20 min. The first 5 are free. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and gives you reference points; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

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👉 Start the Childhood Trauma (ACE) test → — first 5 questions free, instant result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.