The relationship between childhood adversity and physical, cognitive and mental health in later life

There is a robust literature linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with chronic physical and mental health conditions in adulthood, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, lung disease and renal disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. However, important gaps in the evidence base remain. Much of the existing research is based on clinical samples, does not account for a range of potentially confounding variables, or does not examine the distinct effects of different ACEs on health. Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, this doctoral research will examine the potential behavioural, social, environmental and biological pathways through which early adversity may influence health in later life. Findings from the proposed research may point to therapeutic targets for individuals who have experienced childhood adversities, and support policies and practices designed to alter health trajectories and minimize health disparities.