How Does Childhood Trauma Affect Adulthood? Signs, Impact, and Healing

Childhood trauma can significantly influence a whole person’s life. According to Nadine Burke Harris, the former Surgeon General of California, exposure to trauma in early years can dramatically increase people’s risk for 7 out of 10 of the leading causes of death in the US — including high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. [1]

This doesn’t mean that everyone who has experienced traumatic experiences is destined to face these outcomes. However, the statistics show that if you face the symptoms of childhood trauma, it’s important to understand how they influence your life and how to heal.

Check yourself for childhood trauma exposure right now and gain personalized insights on what steps you can take to process it. 

What are childhood trauma and childhood adversity?

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network suggests a definition of childhood trauma as ‘a traumatic, frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity.’ Moreover, witnessing an event that threatens a loved one’s life or physical security can also be traumatic. [2]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). Around 64% of US adults had experienced at least one type of ACE before age 18. [3] Still, it doesn’t mean that all of them live with childhood trauma.

While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can potentially lead to trauma, the development of childhood trauma itself highly depends on a child’s emotional resources, support system, and the meaning they assign to the event. While two children might experience the same situation, their emotional response and processing of the event can differ dramatically. [4]

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Types of childhood trauma

Here are the most common types of childhood trauma that can resurface later in life:

Violence or child abuse

Research suggests that more than 550,000 children are known to US authorities to be abused. [5] It can be childhood sexual abuse, emotional abuse, child maltreatment, or any other kind of violence. In any case, such experiences can deeply affect a child’s sense of safety, self-worth, and ability to form healthy relationships.

Bullying

The study proves that bullying can increase the likelihood of somatization symptoms and sleep problems by 2 times. [6] The emotional impact of bullying, whether from classmates, teachers, or family members can influence stress responses into adulthood.

Parentification

If your primary caregivers, for some reasons, such as illness, substance abuse, or emotional immaturity, put too much physical or emotional responsibility on their child, they might have developed parentification trauma. It’s quite different from abuse and neglect — it means a child had to act like an adult when they were still a child, taking care of others instead of being cared for.

Terrorist acts, war, and natural disasters

Any traumatic experiences that are out of someones’ control can lead to deep emotional wounds. Additionally, children might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can make it hard to feel safe even long after the event is over.

Sudden loss of a close person

Young adults and children who have experienced the violent or early death of a close one may face the outcomes later. A child may feel guilty, ashamed, confused, or even responsible for what happened.

Divorce or parental absence

Differently from child abuse and neglect, divorce or parental absence might not involve direct harm. Still, they may result in attachment or abandonment trauma, causing feelings of insecurity and impacted self-worth.

Substance abuse

If a person grew up in an environment where addiction was present, especially if combined with childhood maltreatment, it may lead to emotional instability. As such, a lack of safety can shape coping mechanisms that follow a person into adulthood. 

Complex trauma

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network states that complex trauma describes both children’s exposure to multiple traumatic events and the wide-ranging, long-term effects of this exposure. [7] Simply put, it’s the result of facing repeated or ongoing traumatic situations, which can deeply affect a child’s ability to trust others or the world around them.

7 symptoms of childhood trauma in adulthood

Unresolved childhood trauma can influence a person’s life in thousands of different ways. In this section, we’ll cover the main symptoms and how they show up in your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and even physical health long after the event.

1. Emotional dysregulation and altered emotional responses

Studies show that complex trauma can make it hard to handle emotions, and these struggles often affect how a person thinks, feels, and builds relationships, even as an adult. [8] This means that survivors might overreact to small triggers, feel numb, or experience a rollercoaster of emotions. In addition, trauma survivors may:

• have recurrent suicidal thoughts
• engage in self-harming actions
• find it challenging to describe what they feel
• show unpredictable or explosive emotional responses
• be vigilant and guarded in communication
• show a lack of impulse control

2. Lack of self-worth

According to the European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, abusive trauma destroys self-worth and self-identity. [9] Children who grew up with trauma histories may hold the message that they aren’t valuable or their value is conditional. Moreover, they might believe that their needs, choices, and desires aren’t important as well.

“I’m not good enough” is the message they can consciously or unconsciously bring through life. They may also develop the belief that love and acceptance must be earned, which might lead to perfectionism or people-pleasing habits in adulthood.

3. Brain function and cognitive abilities challenges

The research proves that childhood trauma is associated with worse cognitive performance in young adults. [10] The results of complex trauma may be wide-ranging: 

• problems with thinking logically
• problem-solving issues
• memory challenges
• lack of energy, focus, or interest in gaining new skills
• planning and organization issues

When a child’s nervous system is constantly facing a stressor — like a traumatizing event or its outcomes — they have fewer resources for complicated cognitive functions. Findings suggest that childhood trauma, like abuse or neglect, can cause damage to the medial prefrontal cortex, which helps with thinking, decision-making, and self-control. [11]

4. Dissociation and avoidance

A 2022 study revealed that there is a significant correlation between dissociative symptoms and exposure to trauma, particularly early childhood trauma. [12] A person who has experienced trauma can start to mentally separate themselves from the experience to cope with overwhelming emotions. They can:

• feel like they’re in a dream
• consider themselves detached from their bodies
• believe that the experience has happened to someone else
• lose all memories of the event or parts of it
• emotionally “numb out” or disconnect from their feelings

5. Re-experiencing traumatic event

The National Center for PTSD states that among children and teens who survived trauma, 3% to 15% of girls and 1% to 6% of boys develop PTSD. [13] While this statistic may not sound significant, people who have experienced trauma may live with certain PTSD manifestations, particularly intrusive memories, nightmares, or sudden flashbacks. These symptoms can suddenly show up when something like a sound, smell, or place reminds them of the trauma, even years following the traumatic event.

6. Pervasive sense of shame

According to the study, childhood trauma survivors report shame and anticipation of stigma, which can make them avoid any help. [14] This is because when a child is abused or experiences a traumatizing event at an early age, they may start to think that they deserve it. As such, even in adulthood, they might carry this sense of shame followed by low self-worth, self-blame, and constant fear of judgment.

7. Chronic fatigue and pain

Scientists prove that chronic fatigue is one of the commonly reported symptoms after trauma. [15] This is particularly true for maltreated children and adults who may carry unprocessed stress in their bodies. As a result of nervous system overload, they can experience constant tiredness, muscle tension, and even unexplained physical pain.

Impact of childhood abuse across a lifetime

Those who experienced childhood adversity can bring its outcomes over their whole life. Thus, if you suppose that you might have gone through trauma, it’s worth noticing how it still may show up in your life. 

1. Challenges in adult relationships

Trauma impacts our sense of self-worth and emotional regulation, which can potentially lead to fear of closeness or difficulty trusting others. Researchers have also found that adults with traumatic experiences are more likely to face problems in romantic and intimate relationships. [16]

Childhood trauma increases the risk of developing insecure attachment styles [17], which can manifest in completely different ways. While some people may be too clingy and constantly seek reassurance, others might push people away — even if, deep down, they crave connection. This not only covers romantic connections but also friendships, family relationships, and even professional communication.

2. Difficulty planning future

A “sense of foreshortened future” is a symptom of PTSD. [18] Still, childhood abuse survivors can also experience similar outcomes. The article, published in Frontiers in Psychology, explains this phenomenon. 

Trauma survivors may feel like they won’t live long or believe that good things are simply “not meant” for them. This can make it hard to set goals and long-term plans or imagine a future that feels safe and hopeful.

This is because, from an early age, they may have been surrounded by the feeling of guilt, shame, and powerlessness. Low self-esteem and lack of understanding of one’s own value can make it hard to believe the future will be safe — so planning ahead just doesn’t feel worth it.

3. Higher risk of mental health conditions

It is proven that childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for developing mental disorders later in life. [19] Among the most common conditions that can develop after experiencing traumatic events are:

• borderline personality disorder
• depressive disorders
• anxiety disorders
• posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• eating disorders
• substance use disorders

For instance, studies show that a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder is associated with child abuse and neglect more than any other personality disorder, with a range between 30 and 90% in BPD patients. [20] Even more, such mental illnesses may not show up right away, but can surface in young adults or at any other life period, especially when triggered by stressful situations.

4. Possible physical health problems

Childhood trauma has been linked to a much higher risk of developing 7 out of the 10 most common causes of death in the US. Among them are heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. [21]

Moreover, those who experienced child maltreatment, sexual abuse, or any other form of traumatic event may live with chronic stress, which can result in physical symptoms. Among other possible conditions and chronic illnesses that most likely may be developed are:

• diabetes
• obesity
• stroke
• autoimmune disorders
• chronic pain syndromes
• irritable bowel syndrome
• migraines
• sleep disorders
• hormonal imbalances

This shows that childhood trauma can not only cause mental health conditions, it can also quietly affect the body for years. Thus, if you notice the manifestations of trauma or understand that you might have experienced it, it’s better to contact a mental healthcare provider who can help you manage the long-term effects.

5. Risky behavior

Those who have endured adverse childhood experiences are more likely to engage in risky behaviors later in life. [22] Moreover, they might use such behaviors as coping mechanisms to handle overwhelming emotions and toxic stress. Examples might include:

• substance abuse
• unsafe sexual practices
• reckless driving
• criminal activity
• excessive gambling
• chronic overeating
• impulsive decision-making
• social isolation or withdrawal

How to begin healing from childhood trauma impacts

There are several evidence-based treatment approaches that can help trauma survivors take care of their mental health and overcome potential complications. Except for them, you may engage in self-care practices, mindfulness, or meditation. Yet, it may be better to combine it with professional treatment for better results.

1. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT). This approach teaches people to evaluate and change the upsetting thoughts connected to trauma. [23] Through CPT, trauma survivors learn to shift unhelpful thoughts and develop a healthier understanding of what happened.

2. Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing therapy (EMDR). It alters brain structure and function to help trauma survivors handle distressing memories and reduce emotional intensity. [24] While focusing on traumatic memory, people move their eyes in a specific way and follow guided bilateral stimulation, which helps the brain reprocess the memory.

3. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). This approach is defined as a conjoint parent-child treatment that uses cognitive-behavioral principles and exposure techniques. [25] It helps process traumatic memories in a safe, structured way and develop healthier coping strategies.

Conclusion

In summary, childhood trauma can impact a person’s life in many ways. Yet, it doesn’t mean that healing isn’t possible. If you reach out to a professional healthcare provider and take small, steady steps toward recovery, you can gradually reduce its impact. Begin your journey today with the Breeze app that provides simple gratitude, worry release, and relaxation practices that help take care of your mental health and support you on the way to resilience.

Sources

1. Harvard School of Public Health. “Childhood trauma’s devastating impact on health.” 2015
2. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. “About Childhood Trauma.” 2023
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Adverse Childhood Experiences.” 2024
4. Cleveland Clinic. “Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).” 2023
5. National Children’s Alliance. “National Statistics on Child Abuse.” 2025
6. Health Affairs. “The Effects Of Violence On Health.” 2019
7. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. “Complex Trauma”
8. Dvir Y, Ford JD, Hill M, Frazier JA. “Childhood maltreatment, emotional dysregulation, and psychiatric comorbidities.” Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2014
9. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. “The impact of childhood trauma on children’s wellbeing and adult behavior.” 2022
10. Petkus AJ, Lenze EJ, Butters MA, Twamley EW, Wetherell JL. “Childhood Trauma Is Associated With Poorer Cognitive Performance in Older Adults.” J Clin Psychiatry. 2018
11. De Bellis MD, Zisk A. “The biological effects of childhood trauma. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am.” 2014
12. Boyer SM, Caplan JE, Edwards LK. “Trauma-Related Dissociation and the Dissociative Disorders: Neglected Symptoms with Severe Public Health Consequences.” Dela J Public Health. 2022
13. National Center for PTSD. “How Common is PTSD in Children and Teens?” 2014
14. Schomerus G, Schindler S, Rechenberg T, Gfesser T, Grabe HJ, Liebergesell M, Sander C, Ulke C, Speerforck S. “Stigma as a barrier to addressing childhood trauma in conversation with trauma survivors: A study in the general population.” PLoS One. 2021
15. Mohamed AZ, Lagopoulos J, Nasrallah FA, Shan Z; Department of Defense Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. “Self-reported Fatigue was Associated with Increased White-matter Alterations in Long-term Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Patients. Neuroscience.” 2023
16. Dilillo D, Lewis T, Loreto-Colgan AD. “Child maltreatment history and subsequent romantic relationships. J Aggression Maltreatment Trauma.” 2007
17. Ogle CM, Rubin DC, Siegler IC. “The relation between insecure attachment and posttraumatic stress: Early life versus adulthood traumas. Psychol Trauma.” 2015
18. Ratcliffe M, Ruddell M, Smith B. “What is a “sense of foreshortened future?” A phenomenological study of trauma, trust, and time.” Front Psychol. 2014
19. Valladares-Garrido MJ, León-Figueroa DA, Dawson FM, Burga-Cachay SC, Fernandez-Canani MA, Failoc-Rojas VE, Pereira-Victorio CJ, Valladares-Garrido D, Inga-Berrospi F. “Association between childhood trauma and mental health disorders in adolescents during the second pandemic wave of COVID-19, Chiclayo-Peru. Front Psychiatry.” 2023
20. Cattane N, Rossi R, Lanfredi M, Cattaneo A. “Borderline personality disorder and childhood trauma: exploring the affected biological systems and mechanisms.” BMC Psychiatry. 2017
21. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Childhood trauma’s devastating impact on health.” 2015
22. Journal of Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. “Risk Behavior Among Emerging Adults: The Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), Perceived Family and Interpersonal Environment.” 2024
23. National Center for PTSD. “Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD.” 2014
24. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. “Neurobiological correlates of EMDR therapy effect in PTSD.” 2019
25. de Arellano MA, Lyman DR, Jobe-Shields L, George P, Dougherty RH, Daniels AS, Ghose SS, Huang L, Delphin-Rittmon ME. “Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents: assessing the evidence.” Psychiatr Serv. 2014