LAUSR

BACKGROUND The relationship between health and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been a major topic in the field of healthcare. In recent years, the study ACEs and health has expanded internationally. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to further develop the concept of ACEs using a global perspective. METHOD Rodgers' Evolutionary Model guided the study. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO databases were searched. A total of 39 publications were selected for review. FINDINGS Development of the concept was achieved using a wide global lens. ACEs are influenced by diverse cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors that affect individuals' health worldwide. DISCUSSION The developed ACEs concept described in this paper includes a global perspective, adding context to the existing definition, thus broadening its application, and expanding its usefulness in international research. A clear concept for ACEs is valuable to nurses who care for children, adolescents and young adults around the world, who have suffered from ACEs and seek health care.