Effects of adverse childhood experiences and personal resilience on household emergency preparedness: considerations for disaster planning

TL;DR

The study explores how childhood trauma and personal traits affect emergency preparedness, finding that income and confidence are more important than trauma history.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to disaster planning by examining the interplay of ACEs, resilience, and personality traits in household emergency preparedness.

Findings

Most participants had at least one ACE, but ACEs were not significantly linked to disaster preparedness.

Income, confidence, and emotional reactivity were stronger predictors of emergency preparedness than ACEs.

Results suggest the need for tailored interventions to improve preparedness for those with childhood trauma.

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events occurring during childhood that can affect adulthood health and wellness, including preparedness for disasters. This study aimed to understand how ACEs, personality traits, personal resilience, and healthcare provider discussions of preparedness affect household emergency preparedness to inform interventions for individuals with a history of ACEs.

This cross-sectional study was conducted through an internet-based survey of 311 US adults using six evidence-based instruments: ACEs Questionnaire, Big Five Inventory, Chapman University Survey on American Fears, Grit-S, Brief Resilient Coping Scale, and the Household Emergency Preparedness Instrument.

Although most participants had experienced at least one ACE, there was no significant relationship between ACEs and disaster preparedness. Income, confidence in preparedness, and emotional reactivity were more predictive.

Findings can guide the development of tailored community interventions and policies to improve disaster preparedness among individuals with a history of childhood trauma.

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