Early life adversity, including threats, deprivation and unpredictable experiences, has long been recognised as a major contributing factor in causing mental health problems. A new study conducted by researchers at Anhui Medical University in China adds to this body of evidence, showing that children who endure high levels of adversity are at higher risk of facing conditions such as depression, ADHD and anxiety. However, the study also offers a ray of hope: maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including close friends, regular exercise, adequate sleep, limited screen time and a nutritious diet, could significantly weaken this relationship, especially for boys.
The authors write:
“In our study, based on three years of longitudinal data from a cohort of children in Anhui province, China, we observed that all aspects of early life adversity (CA) may lead to a persistently high risk of multiple mental health problems in children. Importantly, our study suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle may reduce the persistently high risk of mental health problems resulting from CA.”
This study not only reinforces the important role of social determinants in mental health, but also questions the current emphasis on biological and individual-level interventions. By demonstrating that lifestyle factors can act as a protective buffer against the harmful effects of early life adversity, this study prompts a broader rethinking of mental health prevention and treatment strategies. The findings suggest that fostering healthy lifestyles in children, particularly those at high risk due to experiences of adversity, may be a key factor in mitigating the long-term mental health impacts of early life challenges.
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Richard Sears teaches Psychology at West Georgia Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Consciousness and Society at the University of West Georgia. He previously worked as an Intake Assessor and Crisis Line Operator in a Crisis Stabilization Unit. His current research interests include the distinction between organizations and the individuals that comprise them, the relationship between dehumanization and euphoria, and natural alternatives to potentially harmful psychopharmacological interventions.
