Published on: 2026-10-07
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
October 6, 2026 Healthcare
According to a study conducted by the WHO European Regional Office (WHO EURO), adverse childhood experiences lead to deteriorating mental health and are also associated with reduced quality of life and socio-economic indicators among young people.
More than two-thirds of young people surveyed in the European Union countries, as well as in Iceland and Norway, reported experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). These data were obtained from a survey of more than 26,000 young people aged 18 to 30.
The study assessed exposure to nine forms of adverse childhood experiences, including violence, neglect, and family dysfunction (such as domestic violence or having a family member with mental health issues or substance use problems).
More than 20 percent of young adults reported experiencing four or more cases of NDO. 76.3 percent of them stated that they needed professional psychological and psychiatric help in the previous year. Among those who did not experience NDO, this figure, according to the study, is 36.7 percent.
Respondents who reported four or more cases of ACEs were six times more likely to report experienced violence, ten times more likely to state that they themselves committed violence in young adulthood, and about eight times more likely to have been victims of cyberbullying in childhood.
According to the authors of the study, adverse experiences tend to accumulate, and the more a person experiences them, the higher the likelihood that they will face adverse consequences in the future. A higher level of ACE exposure also negatively affects education, is associated with unemployment or lack of vocational training, lower family income, distrust of others, and a weaker sense of community connection. Altogether, these consequences extend beyond the healthcare sector, also affecting areas such as social welfare, education, criminal justice, and employment.
The study was conducted by the WHO ERB in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, funded by the European Commission.
“For the first time, we have managed to assess adverse childhood experiences across a number of European countries,” noted the scientific director of the study, Professor Mark Bellis from Liverpool John Moores University. “The results obtained were surprisingly similar. It is important to understand that adverse events can be prevented, and their consequences minimized. Investments in a safe and favorable childhood will help improve population health indicators, strengthen communities, and build a more prosperous future for Europe.”
The WHO European Regional Office calls for action in three directions. First, it is necessary to prevent adverse phenomena at their source by supporting families and eliminating root causes such as poverty, social isolation, and violence in communities.
Secondly, where adverse impacts cannot be prevented, it is necessary to strengthen the ability to withstand them through supportive relationships, the development of life skills, and leveraging community strengths.
Thirdly, it is important that government services take into account the presence of traumatic experiences: medical and medico-social care systems, education, and justice must be able to recognize people who have endured adverse events in childhood, respond to their problems, and help break this cycle before it affects the next generation.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.