New Delhi: Children who endure physical and sexual abuse face significantly higher risks of developing various physical and mental health conditions later in life, according to a study published in the journal Child Maltreatment. The research indicates that survivors of childhood abuse are twice as likely to suffer from conditions such as angina, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart attacks, depression, and disability in adulthood.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto, analyzed data from over 80,000 U.S. adults collected between 2021 and 2022. It found that individuals who had experienced sexual abuse in childhood were 55% to 90% more likely to develop these health issues compared to those who had not suffered abuse. Similarly, those subjected to physical abuse had a 20% to 50% increased likelihood of experiencing these adverse health outcomes.
A key finding of the study highlights the role of a supportive adult presence in mitigating these long-term health risks. Children who had a protective adult in their home exhibited better health outcomes, even if they had experienced abuse. This underscores the importance of intervention strategies aimed at strengthening positive relationships between children and caregivers.
“People don’t typically think about the impact early adversities can have on health outcomes later in life,” said Shannon Halls, Research Coordinator at the University of Toronto’s Institute for Life Course and Aging. “Our research underscores the harmful associations between early adversities, such as sexual and/or physical abuse, and a wide range of health issues in adulthood.”
Notably, the study also found that children who grew up without a protective adult—regardless of whether they experienced abuse—were 20% to 40% more likely to develop physical health conditions and twice as likely to suffer from depression in adulthood.
The findings emphasize the critical role of strong adult support systems in a child’s life. Researchers urged policymakers to implement programs that provide resources and protection for vulnerable children, reinforcing the long-term benefits of positive adult relationships in safeguarding health.