Childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma have enduring effects on adult mental health, as substantial research connects these adverse experiences to diverse psychiatric conditions. This systematic review consolidates current research to explore the complex association between early-life adversity and adult psychopathology, with a focus on clarifying the underlying processes, consequences, and protective factors. We investigate the neurobiological foundations of these relationships, the influence of early-life adversity on addiction and illegal conduct, and the difficulties in quantifying and evaluating such experiences. Theoretical frameworks are critically evaluated to contextualize the findings, while the interplay between coping strategies and resilience is analyzed to identify potential protective factors. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies, which were then systematically screened and analyzed to distill key patterns and inconsistencies. The findings underscore a strong link between early-life adversity and mental health conditions in adulthood, as trauma frequently presents in the form of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders. Neurobiological alterations, particularly dysregulation of the stress response system, serve as key mediators, whereas substance consumption and criminal conduct often co-occur as maladaptive coping strategies. Although trauma exerts a widespread influence, resilience elements including social support and cognitive reframing present methods for alleviation. This analysis highlights the necessity for prompt intervention and care informed by trauma, while also advocating for more robust research approaches in subsequent studies to clarify causal relationships and improve theoretical frameworks.
Laszlo Pokorny (Wed,) studied this question.