Measuring adverse and protective experiences in early childhood: development and initial validation of the child and family experiences survey (CAFES).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a wide range of negative health, behavioral, and developmental outcomes across the lifespan. However, many individuals demonstrate resilience, and protective factors play a critical role in buffering the effects of adversity. Yet most existing ACE measures overlook these protective experiences and rely primarily on retrospective adult self-reports. To address this gap, we developed the Child and Family Experiences Survey (CAFES), a caregiver-report tool designed to assess both adverse and protective experiences in early childhood across diverse settings.

Methods

Caregivers (N = 157) from two counties in New York State completed the CAFES, which assessed adverse experiences, protective factors, and social det

SUBMITTER: Gongye R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12551162 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature