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Childhood Threats and Cognitive Difficulties in Mid and Later Life: A Gendered Perspective on the Mediating Role of Family Functioning

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the associations between childhood threats (parental abuse and bullying victimization) and cognitive difficulties in mid and later life. Data were extracted from the 2022 Panel Study on Active Ageing and Society in Hong Kong (N = 5,007). Mediation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro, both for the entire sample and gender-stratified models. Findings revealed that frequent parental abuse and bullying victimization during childhood were associated with increased cognitive difficulties in mid and later life. Contemporary family functioning mediated these relationships. Gender differences were observed in the mediating role of family functioning, with its significance limited to older women.

Source: Journal of Gerontological Social Work

DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2025.2471994

Authors: Xue Bai, Jia-Jia Zhou, Bo Hu, David Ho Keung Shum

Institutions: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Baptist University, London School of Economics and Political Science

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Hong Kong Polytechnic University