On October 15th, 2025, researchers at Penn State posted a survey about CPTSD and ACES scores. They wanted 3,000 respondents to the survey. I’m wondering how long it took them to get the full 3,000?*
*(Yes, yes I’m exaggerating, a bit at least. But it is still a valid question.)
I ran across a link to the study titled “Family Experiences Study” when it came across a support group’s combined chat labeled something like PENN State University ACES questionnaire.
Seeing that title pop up on my screen (having a few minutes to kill), I thoughtwhy not?! I already knew I had 7 ACEs, so I doubted this would enlighten me much, but I was curious about the “science” behind it. So, I answered the questions.
I think I was the third person to share my ‘score’ in response to the post. I did so as a way to communicate that I found the criteria for the study rather unrealistic–impossible even.
The divisions for the results were presented as follows:
- 0-84 = Non-Clinical Range (unlikely PTSD)
- 85-167 = Subclinical Range (potential for PTSD)
- Greater than 167 = Clinical Range (likely PTSD).
My score was 319. Another member in our support group posted their number, and it was even higher (it smacked my gob good and well!).
I shouldn’t have been that surprised. The survey just confirmed what I already knew. The idea of going from 7 to 319 was a bit of a whiplash, but I recognized that different scales measured different things. Best to not get hung up on numbers.
The amazing thing about this combination of events, and the reason for this little foray, is not the number the test gave me (a score 45 times greater than the number previously in my head): it was the shockwave sent through our online support community.
As one might imagine, since we were all CPTSD types, we were data- and information-oriented. Thus, there was a lot of curiosity about how this survey worked.
*Ping. 245
*Ping. 303
*Ping. 287
*Ping. 333
And on it went. I’m surprised we didn’t freeze the server.
Along with the numbers were lots of jokes:
“What did I win?”
“Hey, I ACEd it.”
“Hold my beer.”
“Perfect Score!”
Some of the humor got pretty dark.
However, it also provided a sense of validation.
“I feel seen.”
“That was on the nose.”
“I think it’s time to find myself some real support.”
However, we knew that these weren’t school grades and that there was no competition. None of us saw this as a race–and it certainly wasn’t something one might “win.” Overall, there was tremendous support for one another, and it was a beautiful thing to see.
Still, there was one thing that we largely agreed on: how was it possible for anyone to land in the Non-Clinical range?
The idea that there are ideal normal people out there running around with (I’m not sure how to say this) a supportive family, good childhood memories, a yard full of unicorns and bunnies–this was, frankly, unbelievable. Personally, I can’t imagine what it might look like. The concept is completely alien.
Well, good for them, I guess. I hope they realize how fortunate they are.
To wrap up this little news report (not really a proper essay, is it?), I guess I’ll give a shout out to the researchers at Penn State and a Thank You for providing a resource that let, at least, one CPTSD community laugh, cry, think, and come together in mutual support.
Photo credit: Unsplash
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Currently I’m trying to find a publisher for novel 1. Writing. Writing. Editing. Editing.
And trying to tame the feral kittens that overrun the tiny town I call home.