College is a highly stressful part of everyone’s lives, causing students to be at high risk for developing health complications including substance abuse and eating disorders. Adverse life experiences often play a large role in increasing students’ susceptibility to these disorders and behaviors. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Survey is a tool used to measure the relationship between childhood trauma and the chronic diseases and social/emotional tribulations that individuals develop as adults. The current study sought to determine the correlation between adverse childhood experiences and both substance abuse and eating disorders in college populations. Approximately 50 participants will take the ACES, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and the Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Involvement Scale (AADIS). According to previous research, a score of four or higher on the ACES indicates a high level of abuse and is correlated with poor health outcomes. The EDE-Q consists of questions regarding four subscales: restraint, weight, shape, and eating concern. The AADIS consists of questions regarding drug and alcohol use including frequency and severity. Using these scales in congruence with the ACE survey gives researchers the opportunity to provide much needed information about the effects that trauma has on college populations in order to improve preventative care and treatment.
