Adverse Childhood Experiences and Brain Development: Investigating the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Brain Development and Utilization of Trauma-Informed Care
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Authors
Guanlao-Plesowicz, Kim
Issue Date
2025-10-25
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
trauma , adverses childhood experiences (ACES) , trauma-informed care , protective factors , attachment , brain development , biopsychosocial model
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone investigates the neurodevelopmental impacts, relational outcomes, and interventions caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACES) through a qualitative integrative literature review. The theories guiding this capstone include the following: biopsychosocial, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care framework. The findings suggest that childhood is a critical period of development and can have impacts on the biopsychosocial outcomes of an individual. Through this review I will identify protective factors, interventions and best practices to help inform clinicians practice when working with those affected by ACES. Key findings include brain development, attachment, resiliency, protective factors, and trauma informed care interventions. This paper helps to bridge existing gaps in literature regarding ACES development and trauma-informed care. The paper concludes, with a discussion that provides limitations, challenges, clinical implications, and recommendations.