LONGITUDINAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDHOOD ADVERSITY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE

Kristin J Homan

doi:10.1093/geroni/igz038.223

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences have long-term detrimental effects on physical health. Although biological, behavioral, and social factors have been explored as intermediate mechanisms, little research has explored psychosocial factors as potential mediators. This study examined whether purpose in life longitudinally mediates the relationship between childhood adversity and two measures of adult health (self-rated health and functional limitations). Data were obtained from 3,871 participants in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. We tested a cross-lagged mediation model from childhood adversity to adult health via purpose in life, controlling for baseline measures of health and purpose in life. Good model fit was achieved indicating that childhood adversity is associated with poorer adult health through direct and mediated paths. Childhood adversity may restrict young people’s search for purpose in life, and reduced purpose in life is ultimately associated with poorer subjective health and increased functional limitations.

Highlights

There is growing interest in rural disadvantage and the implications for health and well-being in later life
We further find that associations between college completion and later life cognition are strongest for men who were least likely as adolescents to attend college
This study investigates the effects of childhood misfortune and adult physical activity on later-life body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference

Summary

Introduction

There is growing interest in rural disadvantage and the implications for health and well-being in later life. Some empirical studies have suggested that linkages between educational attainment and later life cognition are largely a function of differential selection into higher education. Our study uses data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, as one of the longest-running cohort studies in the U.S, to further probe how differential selection into higher education might influence associations between college completion and later life cognition. We further find that associations between college completion and later life cognition are strongest for men who were least likely as adolescents to attend college.

Results

Conclusion