PREVIEW

Positive Relationships With Adults May Help Boost Kids' Ability to Cope With Adversity. According to a recent study, positive bonds with parents and other adults can play a crucial role in fostering mental health in early adulthood. PsyPost reports that the research also indicated that high levels of family religiosity may increase stress for those who face significant childhood adversity. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refers to traumatic events occurring up until the age of 17. ACEs can include instances of abuse, neglect, violence or exposure to substance misuse and mental health problems. The study was motivated by the profound impact ACEs can have on a child's future health and well-being. "We wanted to find out what can make a difference for children experiencing high adversity." "We’ve known for many years that ACEs are associated with later mental health problems. But we know less about factors that can shield children from these long-term effects of ACEs." "We wanted to understand these factors so that we can develop interventions that can reduce the mental health problems related to ACEs." Study authors, via PsyPost. The study, published in 'JAMA Psychiatry,' revealed that positive relationships with adults were linked to lower levels of stress and reduced risk of developing anxiety or depression later in life. "This finding was true regardless of exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Adults can potentially make a real difference in reducing the risk of later mental health problems." Cristiane Duarte and Sara VanBronkhorst, Study authors, via PsyPost. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT