An exploration of the pathways from childhood adversity to depression among mid-life and older adults in Canada

Depression is a commonly occurring, seriously impairing, and often recurrent mental disorder. While depression is common across the life-course, the process and experiences of aging can increase exposure to certain risk factors such as bereavement, reduced socioeconomic status and social network size, cognitive decline and increases in physical health comorbidities. There is a significant body of evidence that demonstrates that adverse early life conditions are associated with poor mental health in adulthood. The knowledge about the pathways and processes through which these adversities impact depression in adulthood is emerging. Using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), we will explore the life course pathways between childhood adversity and depression among mid-life and older adults in Canada. The rapid ageing of Canada’s population warrants a specific exploration of these pathways among aging mid-life and older adults.