Childhood Trauma Linked to Risky Behaviors & Unexpected Cardiovascular Findings in Brazilian study
A new study published in teh Journal of Child Psychology and psychiatry highlights a strong connection between childhood trauma and increased risk of harmful behaviors in young adulthood. Researchers from the University of Bath and the University of São Paulo found that experiencing trauma substantially raises the likelihood of substance use – including problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use – by age 18.
The research analyzed data from the long-running 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort, tracking over 4,000 children in southern Brazil from birth to adulthood. The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of childhood trauma: over 80% of participants experienced at least one traumatic event (such as accidents, abuse, domestic violence, or parental loss) by age 18, and a quarter experienced three or more.
Importantly, the study quantified the impact of trauma on substance use, finding it explained 37% of problematic alcohol use, 59% of smoking, and 28% of illicit drug use at age 18.
Surprisingly, the research also uncovered an unexpected link to cardiovascular health. Contrary to expectations, adolescents who experienced more trauma exhibited lower heart rates and blood pressure, suggesting better cardiovascular health – a finding that contradicts established links between childhood trauma and later-life cardiovascular disease.Researchers speculate this could be linked to underlying mental health conditions often associated with trauma, such as conduct disorder.
“Reducing childhood trauma exposure could have a profound impact on reducing rates of substance use and addiction in brazil,” says lead researcher Megan Bailey from the University of Bath. “Our cardiovascular findings require further investigation to understand the complex, long-term effects of trauma.”
Professor Sarah Halligan of the University of Bath emphasizes the need for early intervention, noting that initiatives like the Pelotas Pact for Peace, a city-wide violence reduction program, are crucial. Professor Alicia Matijasevich from the University of São Paulo adds that addressing trauma and providing support to affected youth is ”especially critical in low- and middle-income countries where resources are limited.”
This research was supported by funding from the University of Bath, the South-West Doctoral Training Partnership (ESRC), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the Brazilian National Research Council.