Summary
Positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood significantly contribute to better mental health in adulthood. Analyzing data from the Boricua Youth Study, researchers found that children with at least one nurturing adult relationship had lower risks of depression, anxiety, and stress later in life. This study, focusing on marginalized and minoritized youth, highlights the importance of supportive adult connections as a resilience factor against mental disorders. Surprisingly, family religiosity was linked to increased stress in those with high adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), suggesting the need for broader resilience strategies beyond traditional predictors.
Key Facts
- Positive adult-child relationships during childhood are associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress in adulthood.
- The study emphasized the need for interventions that foster supportive relationships for children facing adversity.
- None of the resilience factors studied were associated with substance use disorder, indicating the complexity of resilience and mental health.
Source
Columbia University
Article Content
A Columbia University study found that positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood are associated with better mental health in adulthood, regardless of exposure to adverse childhood experiences. The findings, published in JAMA Psychiatry Dec. 27, 2023, suggest that interventions promoting supportive adult connections during childhood could pay dividends in young adult population health, reducing the sociocultural risk of mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Personal Opinion
As a psychiatrist, it’s clear that the quality of relationships during childhood has a profound impact on mental health outcomes later in life. This study’s findings support the need for interventions that focus on fostering positive adult-child relationships, especially for children facing adversity. Additionally, the unexpected association between family religiosity and increased stress in individuals with high ACEs underscores the importance of considering broader resilience strategies and societal factors in addressing mental health challenges.
Dr Eleanor Smithwick, MD, Cure of Mind