Growing up in a challenging family environment is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality in middle age, according to a large prospective study.
Lasting physiological, psychological, and behavioral changes are likely to play a role. Traumatic experiences in childhood can disrupt a person’s ability to handle stressful events later in their life.
As an adult, they may turn to unhealthful coping strategies, such as smoking and overeating. Research suggests that people who experienced abuse and neglect in their childhood are more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and higher levels of the hormone cortisol in response to stress.