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Experiences shape a person's decisions and behavior in the long term. 

In a recent study, researchers looked into the lasting consequences of childhood and adulthood adversities on mental and cognitive health. 

With a longitudinal analysis spanning over 24 years and encompassing data from more than 3,500 individuals, the research highlighted the critical need to comprehend the enduring effects of adversity on health outcomes. 

Childhood adversities, including financial strains, parental abuse and academic setbacks, afflicted nearly 40% of participants, while adulthood adversities, such as bereavement and financial struggles, impacted nearly 80% of the respondents. 

A significant correlation was also observed between childhood and adulthood adversities, with those exposed to childhood adversity being 17% more likely to face adversity in adulthood.

Psychiatric and cognitive decline

The study revealed a direct link between adversity experiences and subsequent mental health issues. Individuals who encountered childhood adversities exhibited heightened risks of anxiety and depression later in life, with the severity escalating with the number of adverse events. Similarly, adulthood adversities were associated with an increased likelihood of depression and cognitive decline in later years.

Protective role of education

Previous research has shown that school connectedness acts as a protective factor against early adversity, particularly violence exposure and social deprivation. 

The researchers in the recent study had similar findings. Their study revealed that education has a protective influence against the detrimental effects of adversity. Higher levels of educational attainment were correlated with fewer instances of adversity and diminished associations between childhood adversity and cognitive impairment. 

Associate professor and study author SangNam Ahn explains that this is because those with higher levels of educational attainment are more likely to get a better job, have a higher income, and live in areas with less crime. Education potentially equips individuals with positive coping mechanisms, thereby reducing reliance on maladaptive behaviors.