A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that negative experiences during childhood—such as living in unsafe communities or facing discrimination—can have lasting effects on both mental and physical health well into adulthood.
The research highlights how childhood trauma can set off a chain reaction that leads to health problems years down the line, especially for Black men and women.
Published in the journal Development and Psychopathology, the study is part of the long-running Family and Community Health Study, which has followed more than 800 families since 1996.
The study began when the children were in fifth grade and has tracked their development into adulthood.
Researchers found that even by the age of 10, children were already aware of whether their environment was safe or not.
Being raised in dangerous neighborhoods or facing unfair treatment in early life not only shaped their behavior but also triggered a physical stress response in their bodies.
This response included inflammation in the central nervous system, which can harm long-term health.
These early stressors often reappeared in a more serious form once the children reached young adulthood. As they left the relative protection of their homes, many began using alcohol as a way to cope with the lingering effects of early trauma. According to Steven Beach, lead author of the study, the impact of these childhood experiences sometimes took years to fully emerge. But once they did, they often led to unhealthy patterns, such as heavy drinking.
The study found that this drinking wasn’t just a temporary phase—it came with real health consequences. By the time participants reached their late twenties, those who drank heavily in early adulthood were already showing signs of heart problems and faster aging. These effects were especially noticeable in women.
For Black participants, the risks were even greater. The added stress of experiencing racial discrimination in childhood increased their chances of starting to drink earlier and more heavily. This in turn raised their risk of serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and premature aging.
Sierra Carter, co-author of the study, emphasized that racial discrimination adds another layer of harm that too often goes overlooked. “It puts people on a difficult path that leads to more health problems later,” she said.
The researchers believe these findings show the urgent need for stronger support systems for children, especially in disadvantaged communities. Creating safe environments and investing in children’s well-being can have long-lasting benefits—not just for their early years, but for their entire lives.
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