As mention in [[Determined - By Robert Sapolsky]]. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events occurring before the age of 18, such as abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, or violence. Research on ACEs, notably the **CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACE Study**, shows a strong correlation between childhood trauma and negative health, behavioral, and socioeconomic outcomes later in life, including chronic diseases, mental illness, and addiction. ### **Key Findings of ACE Research:** 1. **Dose-Response Relationship** – The more ACEs a person experiences, the higher their risk of poor outcomes. 2. **Biological Impact** – Chronic stress in childhood can dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to long-term changes in brain structure (e.g., amygdala hyperactivity, prefrontal cortex impairment). 3. **Behavioural Consequences** – ACEs increase the likelihood of high-risk behaviours (e.g., substance abuse, aggression) as maladaptive coping mechanisms. ### **Relevance to Robert Sapolsky’s Views on Free Will** Robert Sapolsky, a neuroscientist and author of *Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will*, argues that human behaviour is the result of biological and environmental factors, leaving no room for libertarian free will. His perspective aligns with ACE research in several ways: 1. **Early Determinism** – ACEs demonstrate how childhood trauma *predisposes* individuals to certain behaviours and health issues, supporting Sapolsky’s claim that our "choices" are shaped by prior causes (genetics, upbringing, trauma). 2. **Neurobiological Constraints** – Chronic stress from ACEs alters brain development, impairing impulse control and decision-making. Sapolsky would argue this undermines free will, as people act based on neural wiring shaped by past experiences. 3. **The Illusion of Choice** – Even if someone with high ACEs "chooses" to change their behaviour, Sapolsky would say that choice itself is dictated by prior neural and environmental conditioning. ### **Conclusion** ACE research reinforces Sapolsky’s deterministic stance: early trauma shapes biology and behaviour in ways that limit autonomy. In his framework, interventions (therapy, social support) may change outcomes, but only by altering the causal chain—not because individuals exercise free will.