The science of positive experiences

In the early 2000s, a new research question emerged based on the Science of the Positive: What if The Positive in childhood has a lasting protective and healing impact similar to the lasting harmful impact of trauma? The resulting science of health outcomes from positive experiences is ongoing and includes strong evidence that Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) have a lifelong protective and healing effect that can mitigate the negative effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The Montana Institute works with clients to create surveys that uncover Positive experiences, train teachers and organizations on the power of positive experiences, and mobilize communities to enhance resilience and improve health and safety across the lifespan.

The REsearch

A 2019 JAMA Pediatrics article on PCEs and Adult Mental Health in a Statewide Sample, coauthored by Dr. Christina Bethell, Jennifer Jones, Dr. Narangerel Gombojav, Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, and Dr. Robert Sege, demonstrated that positive experiences during the first 18 years of life are associated with reduced rates of mental and relational health issues in adulthood, a correlation that persists irrespective of the number of ACEs encountered. The body of research on the influence of PCEs on child and adult health is now growing at a rapid pace.

The outcome

Along with increased research, there has been a growing and widespread interest at local, state, and national levels in reshaping trauma prevention and mitigation through the Science of the Positive and more surveys are including questions about PCEs alongside ACEs questions. In August 2022, The Montana Institute and the University of Washington released a report titled "Health Outcomes from Positive Experiences and Adult Substance Use." The findings from this report, based on Montana BRFSS data, indicate that PCEs also reduce the likelihood of cigarette and illicit drug use, as well as problem drinking behaviors in adulthood.

The Seven Positive Childhood Experiences

The seven PCEs in these studies were taken from a culturally inclusive and well-validated resilience instrument, created by Dr. Michael Ungar, called the Child and Youth Resilience Measure. Survey respondents considered each one and responded about how often they experienced each PCE during their first 18 years of life.

  1. Feeling your family stood by you during difficult times, 

  2. Enjoying participation in community traditions, 

  3. Having at least two non-parent adults who took genuine interest in you, 

  4. Feeling safe and protected by an adult in your home, 

  5. Feeling supported by friends, 

  6. Feeling a sense of belonging in high school, 

  7. Feeling able to talk to your family about feelings.

What is the Science of Positive Experiences

In this short video, Carla Ritz, Managing Director, explains the Science of Positive Experiences and its emerging impact on growing protective factors across the lifespan.

FREE RESOURCE! Balancing ACES with hope.

Training and Workshops

Discover how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and Positive Adult Experiences (PAEs) can mitigate the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and promote health across the lifespan. In addition to partnering with states to create surveys and analyze their PCE data, the Montana Institute training team provides keynote addresses, plenary presentations, workshops and webinars delving into the long-term benefits of PCEs and introducing a healing-centered approach that enhances resilience in both children and adults. Participants will gain insights from the latest research on the Science of the Positive, Positive Experiences Across the Lifespan, and Positive Community Norms and have opportunities to consider how to apply these principles effectively within their own contexts.