CHILDHOOD ADVERSITIES AND ADULT DEPRESSION - BASIC PATTERNS OF ASSOCIATION IN A UNITED-STATES NATIONAL SURVEY

The long-term relationships between various forms of childhood adversi ty and adult episodes of major depression are explored in a representa tive household survey of the United States adult (age 25+) population. Seven of the eight childhood adversities considered are significantly associated with recent (12-month) episodes of depression. These effec ts are largely indirect consequences of some childhood adversities lea ding to a life history of depression and prior depression leading to n ew episodes. Only three of the eight childhood adversities directly af fect recent onset or recurrence. The paper closes with a discussion of implications for future research on the long-term effects of childhoo d adversities.