"PCEs (also called benevolent childhood experiences and counter-ACEs) have been linked to better health in adulthood (Crandall et al., 2019); less self-harm, mood disorders, and suicidal ideation (Bunting et al., 2023); better mental health and psychosocial outcomes (Kallapiran et al., 2025); more self-regulation (Rollins & Crandall, 2021); and less loneliness (Unsal et al., 2025). Not only may PCEs mitigate or buffer against ACEs, but they also appear to have direct independent effects on positive outcomes (Bethell et al., 2019; Rollins & Crandall, 2021)."
"PCEs are not just the absence of adversity (i.e., the lack of ACEs); instead, they are the presence of beneficial factors that support children's development (Hero et al., 2021). Several frameworks for PCEs exist that include promotive factors such as quality relationships with at least one caregiver, peer, and nonparent adult (e.g., teacher); opportunities for constructive social engagement; parental monitoring; beliefs that give comfort and meaning; predictable routines at home; safe neighborhoods; school connectedness; opportunities for emotional growth; stable, safe environments; social and emotional competen"
Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are the presence of beneficial factors that support children's development rather than merely the absence of adversity. PCEs include quality relationships with caregivers, peers, and nonparent adults; parental monitoring; predictable routines; school connectedness; safe neighborhoods; opportunities for social engagement and emotional and social development; and beliefs that provide comfort and meaning. PCEs associate with better adult health, improved mental health and psychosocial outcomes, increased self-regulation, reduced self-harm and suicidal ideation, and less loneliness. PCEs can buffer the effects of adverse childhood experiences and also have independent positive effects. Addiction prevention should reduce ACEs while maximizing PCEs.
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