A new study published in the journal Stress and Health has shown that people who experienced abuse in childhood have differing adult lives. Scientists from the Shanghai Mental Health Center and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine analyzed data from 5,112 people observed from adolescence (ages 11-21) to early adulthood (ages 24-33). It turned out that a warm emotional bond with the mother in adolescence and less time spent sitting (for example, watching television or video games) are linked to better adaptation in adult life after experiencing violence.
Abuse included emotional (feeling unwanted), physical (hitting, pushing) and sexual violence by caregivers before age 18. To assess biological health, blood pressure, pulse, waist circumference, body mass index, and blood tests for cholesterol, sugar and immune markers were measured. Psychological health was assessed using a standard depression questionnaire, and social health by education level and income. Adolescent data included information on time spent sitting and on the quality of relationships with parents.
Using the statistical method of latent profile analysis (which identifies hidden groups of people with similar characteristics), the researchers identified five groups. Most participants fell into the low-risk group with good adult outcomes. The second group had a low level of violence but high depression and low income. The third, small, group had a medium level of violence and the worst indicators on all parameters; in adolescence these people also experienced financial difficulties in the family. The remaining two groups reported a high level of violence: one of them had poor mental and social health, while the other (about 13% of the sample) demonstrated resilience - despite the trauma, these people functioned well psychologically and socially.
Among adolescent predictors: female sex and low family income increased the likelihood of falling into the groups with poor mental and social health. More time in a sitting position (television, video games) predicted worse adult outcomes, whereas physical activity (frequency of sports) did not show a protective effect. This suggests that sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor, not merely a lack of exercise. Warm, close relationships with the mother in adolescence predicted positive outcomes in adult life; other aspects of parenting (spending time together, frequency of communication) did not have such an effect.
The authors note limitations: the data on violence are based on adults' recollections, which may be distorted by memory; the study did not record the exact time of the violence, so it cannot be said whether the warm bond with the mother preceded the violence or arose after it. In addition, correlation (statistical association) between factors and outcomes does not in itself prove causation. Nevertheless, the results point to the possible benefit of strategies that reduce screen time and strengthen emotional bonds in the family, to support adolescents who have experienced trauma.