The protective and compensatory experiences framework, translated into a platform clinicians can use with their clients.
PACEs In Action bridges the gap between ACEs research and clinical practice. Founded by the researchers behind the Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs) framework, we translate decades of science into a platform that clinicians, counselors, and facilitators can use with their clients today.
Our work is rooted in the Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Adversity (CIRCA) at Oklahoma State University—an NIH-funded research center studying the effects of trauma and poverty on children's health and development.
We believe that ACEs are not destiny. With the right protective experiences and support, clients can build resilience and break cycles of adversity across generations.
Ten protective experiences that buffer adversity and build resilience.
The framework names ten experiences that contribute to lifelong resilience. They fall into two categories.
Led by Dr. Jennifer Hays-Grudo and Dr. Amanda Sheffield Morris at Oklahoma State University, the PACEs research shows that protective experiences accumulate to buffer the impact of adversity. The framework is operationalized through validated questionnaires—T-PACEs (lifetime), C-PACEs (current), and a child version (Ch-PACEs).
Findings appear in Adverse and Protective Childhood Experiences: A Developmental Perspective (APA Press) and the journal Adversity and Resilience Science.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study landmarked the link between childhood trauma and lifelong health. PACEs is the complementary framework: where ACEs ask what went wrong, PACEs asks what went right—and what to nurture next.
Nearly two-thirds of adults have at least one ACE. Most also have multiple PACEs. The interaction between the two is what predicts resilience.
Leading researchers in childhood adversity and resilience at Oklahoma State University
Regents Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU. Director of CIRCA, an $11.3M NIH-funded center. Co-author of “Adverse and Protective Childhood Experiences: A Developmental Perspective” (APA Press). Founding Editor-in-Chief of Adversity and Resilience Science.
George Kaiser Family Foundation Chair and Regents Professor at OSU. Principal Investigator on the NIH-funded HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study. Infant Mental Health Research Mentor (Level IV). Co-author of “Adverse and Protective Childhood Experiences” (APA Press).
Licensed Clinical Child Psychologist at CIRCA. Expert in randomized clinical trials and program evaluation for children and families experiencing high-risk factors. Specializes in evidence-based home visiting programs and treatment adaptation for diverse populations.
Grounded in rigorous research at Oklahoma State University
NIH-funded CIRCA center
Published by American Psychological Association
Adversity and Resilience Science journal
Oklahoma State University research team
Tell us about your work and we’ll be in touch about the platform, training, and the PACEs Cards deck.