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Early family adversity trajectories and mental health in emerging adulthood: Differential impacts of contextual insecurity and relational adversity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines continuity and changes across contextual insecurities (intimate partner violence, material hardship) and relational adversities (parenting stress, maternal depression) from infancy to preschool years and explores their long-term influence on young adults’ mental health at age 22. The sample was drawn from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( N = 4,677; 52.3% male, 21.2% White, 47.77% Black, 27.15% Latinx, 3.88% Other). The multidimensional growth mixture model identified five trajectory classes: Low Adversity , High-Stable Parenting Stress , High-Increasing Material Hardship , High-Decreasing IPV , and Multidimensional Persistent Adversity . Young adults in the Multidimensional Persistent Adversity and High-Decreasing IPV classes reported higher depression and anxiety than those in the Low Adversity or High-Stable Parenting Stress classes. Findings highlight the need for tailored early intervention to alleviate chronic and multidimensional adversities within family systems. It also emphasizes implementing trauma-informed intervention programs to support emerging adults’ mental health and thriving.

Source: Development and Psychopathology

DOI: 10.1017/s0954579425100989

Authors: Rong Huang, Qingyang Liu

Institutions: Austin Peay State University, Arizona State University

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550