A recent study from Saint Louis University has found that experiencing adversity—whether in childhood or adulthood—can significantly increase the risk of mental illness and cognitive decline later in life. Led by Sang Nam Ahn, Ph.D., an associate professor of health management and policy, the research analyzed long-term data from nearly 3,500 individuals over 24 years. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, highlight the lasting impact of life hardships on mental and cognitive health.
The Long-Term Impact of Adversity: Mental Illness
The study determined that nearly 40% of individuals experienced at least one form of childhood adversity, rising to 80% for adulthood adversity. Researchers found that people who faced hardships in childhood were 17% more likely to experience adversity in adulthood.
The research team categorized childhood adversity as experiences such as financial instability, parental unemployment, physical abuse, or substance abuse in the household. Adversity in adulthood included events such as the death of a child or spouse, experiencing a natural disaster, unemployment, or being the victim of violence.
The study found that just one childhood adversity increased a person’s risk of anxiety by 5%. In contrast, individuals who faced two or more childhood adversities had a 26% higher chance of developing depression and a 10% higher risk of anxiety.
Adulthood adversity was also linked to mental health challenges, with those experiencing two or more adversities being 24% more likely to develop depression and also experiencing a 3% decline in cognitive function later in life.
Education as a Protective Factor
One unexpected finding of the study was the role of education in mitigating the effects of childhood adversity. Researchers found that higher levels of education reduced the association between childhood adversity and cognitive decline.
“Before including education, there was a significant association between childhood adversity and cognitive impairment,” Ahn explained. “But when education was accounted for, that significant association disappeared.”
Ahn believes that education may equip individuals with healthier coping mechanisms, reducing reliance on harmful behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking, or drug use. Additionally, higher education levels are often associated with better job opportunities, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles—all of which may help counteract the effects of early-life adversity.
“If I am educated, I’m likely to get a better job, have a higher income, and live in areas with less crime,” Ahn said. “I’m likely to buy a gym membership or regularly exercise. I’m likely to shop at Whole Foods and get proper nutrition. All of these help combat these adversities we hinted at in the study.”
Encouraging Open Conversations About Stress
Ahn emphasizes the importance of discussing stress and adversity to help mitigate their long-term effects. He encourages clinicians to engage in deeper discussions with patients about stress and mental health while promoting awareness in schools and communities.
“The more we are aware of stress and discuss our stress, the better we can handle any adversities we find in life,” Ahn said. Mental Illness.
The study’s findings underscore the need for proactive mental health care, early interventions, and policies that support individuals facing adversity. Researchers hope that future studies will further explore how education and other protective factors can reduce the long-term impact of life’s hardships.
Reference: SangNam Ahn, Seonghoon Kim, Hongmei Zhang, Aram Dobalian, George M. Slavich. Lifetime adversity predicts depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2024.
