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

Three in four adolescents exposed to multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) develop significant distress and mental health disorders as young adults. We do not fully understand what makes an adolescent vulnerable to, or protected from, mental health problems following ACEs nor how to best to protect and support affected young people, many of whom struggle to find and engage with care services.

ATTUNE is a novel multi-site study using arts-based creative workshops and lived experience to understand the mechanisms and mental health impacts of ACEs. Then, it is using the learning to co-design, with young people, a public health resource and a serious game to raise awareness of ACEs, which will be implemented and evaluated. 

The research will bring a spotlight to ACEs and young people's mental health, advancing understanding of risk, resilience, and recovery for affected young people, and providing learning for future research, policy and practice.

University of Oxford

University of Falmouth

University of Leeds

University of Kent

University of Greenwich

Kings College London

University College London

Queen Marys University London

Centre for Mental Health

NSPCC

Young People Cornwall