The number and types of different childhood experiences can predict health in adulthood

What is it about?

Childhood experiences, both negative and positive, combine to exert an influence on our health across the lifespan. These experiences are generally known as adverse and benevolent childhood experiences (ACEs and BCEs); research shows more ACEs are linked with poorer health, while more BCEs are linked with better health. This study randomly surveyed 1,068 adults in Hong Kong, and found not only the number of these experiences matter, but also the combinations in which these experiences occur together. Specifically, growing up in an unstable environment (e.g. parental separate/ death, household dysfunction) was linked with higher risks for physical health problems in adulthood, whereas growing up in a violent household (e.g. domestic violence, childhood maltreatment) was linked with poorer mental and behavioral health. However, having a stable and enriching childhood environment (i.e. more BCEs) protected adult physical, mental, and behavioral health.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The findings underscore the need to build safe, stable, and enriching childhood environments as a means to create healthier communities and society. In health and social care settings, response and interventions should consider both the accumulation and co-occurrence of ACEs.

Perspectives