Associations between exposure to childhood bullying and abuse and adulthood outcomes in a representative national U.S. sample

Abstract

BackgroundNegative childhood experiences are associated with poor health and psychosocial outcomes throughout one’s lifespan. ObjectiveWe examined associations between childhood bullying and maltreatment and several adulthood outcomes: psychological distress, functional impairment, generalized fear, and physician-diagnosed mental and physical health ailments. The potential mediating role of recent negative life events was also explored. Participants and SettingData were collected through web-based surveys of a U.S. representative national sample of adults. MethodsAt Wave 1 (N = 3,598), participants reported exposure to negative childhood experiences; at Wave 2 (N = 3,497), physician-diagnosed mental and physical health ailments were provided; at Wave 3 (N = 2,906), participants reported exposure to recent negative life events and psychosocial outcomes. ResultsOf the sample, 26.29% (weighted n = 946) reported childhood bullying, 15.02% (weighted n = 540) reported physical abuse, 15.56% (weighted n = 560) reported witnessing parental violence, 11.42% (weighted n = 411) reported sexual abuse, and 8.64% (weighted n = 311) reported parental neglect. Respondents who reported bullying, physical abuse, or sexual abuse during childhood reported greater distress, functional impairment, and fear of the future in adulthood, as mediated through recent negative life events, compared to those who did not (ßs: 0.04–.06). Those reporting bullying, neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse in childhood reported more mental health ailments in adulthood (IRRs: 1.44–1.66) compared to those who did not. Those reporting bullying or sexual abuse in childhood reported more physical health ailments (IRRs: 1.25–1.39). ConclusionsSpecific negative childhood experiences have unique links with poor outcomes in adulthood. Recent negative life events partially mediate these associations.