More than two-thirds of young adults in Europe have experienced at least one form of childhood adversity, with the effects often continuing into their mental health, education, employment and relationships later in life, according to a new report from the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe.
The report found that more than one in five young adults had experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences, highlighting the widespread impact of violence, family instability and other difficult conditions during childhood.
“When a child grows up around violence or a household in crisis, we shouldn’t be surprised that it follows them into the classroom, job market and their relationships years later,” said Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, director of health systems at WHO/Europe.
She said the scale of childhood adversity is frequently underestimated, while its consequences can affect many areas of people’s lives. Azzopardi-Muscat said the issue should be treated as both a social and economic concern rather than solely as a mental health problem.
The WHO report surveyed more than 26,000 young adults aged 18 to 30 across Europe between November 2025 and January 2026. Researchers examined exposure to nine types of adverse childhood experiences, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, physical neglect, substance use in the household, mental illness among household members, parental separation or death and witnessing domestic violence.
The most frequently reported experiences were parental separation or death, witnessing domestic violence and emotional abuse.
“The findings are remarkably consistent. Adverse childhood experiences are at the root of poorer health, social and economic outcomes among young adults across Europe,” said Mark Bellis of Liverpool John Moores University, the academic lead for the study.
The report said prolonged stress during childhood can interfere with brain development, emotional regulation and the body’s systems for responding to stress. These effects can contribute to health and functional difficulties later in life.
Young adults who reported four or more adverse experiences were significantly more likely to experience physical pain or discomfort, problems carrying out everyday activities such as work or study, mobility limitations and difficulties with self-care.
Mental health needs were also substantially higher among those exposed to multiple forms of adversity. Some 76.3% of people who reported four or more adverse experiences said they had needed professional mental health support during the previous year. That compared with 36.7% among those who reported no adverse childhood experiences.
However, those facing the greatest exposure were also more likely to say they had not received the mental health support they needed.
Breaking the cycle
The report warned that without prevention and early intervention, childhood adversity can contribute to problems being repeated across generations. Adults affected by difficult childhood experiences may face greater risks of raising children amid financial pressure, domestic violence or parental mental health problems.
Despite the findings, the researchers said adverse childhood experiences do not determine a person’s future. Prevention and timely support can reduce their effects.
“With support from policymakers, investment in safer and more nurturing childhoods will help deliver healthier populations, stronger communities and a more prosperous future for Europe,” Bellis said.
