ATTUNE: Understanding mechanisms and mental health impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences to co-design preventive arts and digital interventions

This novel multi-site study will explore young people’s experiences, understandings of mental health and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) using varied creative arts-based methods. Adverse childhood experiences are difficult, and potentially traumatic events, which may have lasting effects on health and well-being. This includes direct experiences of neglect; physical, mental or sexual abuse; adverse household experiences such as violence or substance abuse; and community risks such as poverty and peer victimisation. Many young people experience ACEs and ATTUNE hope to understand the effect of ACEs on adolescent mental health.

Part of our Mental Health across the Life-course research theme

Create a paradigm shift by harnessing the powerful potential of creative arts and participatory processes with young people

Learn how multiple Adverse Childhood Experinvces (ACEs), diverse places and diverse identities shape pathways and outcomes for youth mental health.

Develop transformative arts-led interventions to reach young people and the systems around them.

Key Questions:

What are the psychological and geo-social-economic contextual mechanisms by which ACEs unfold to affect or safeguard the mental health and lives of YP (aged 10-24)?

Are co-designed, youth-informed arts and game interventions acceptable, feasible, beneficial for the mental health of YP with ACEs and a good use of resources?