thanks, Jane. That is indeed an interesting observation. Whereas many would recommend "the funnel technique" (starting off with a general question, and narrowing it down more and more) for asking about "sensitive experiences" nothing could be more "confrontative" than the ACEs questionnaire itself -- indeed one could ask whether or not some questions need to be even more specific. Different rules clearly apply to face-to-face (funnel technique) and computerised (specific Qs) situations. Indeed, (dredging things up from some ancient stores in my brain), this has been noted in the past I seem to recall, so putting things in context, providing a way to make sense of things, and bringing to mind positive aspects of one's previously difficult life (Resilience Q) can be a very positive experience -- Panagioti DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2012.06.005 -- so, thanks, Jane, I think we're coming towards a clearer statement of what and how to present "sensitive" information.