Childhood adversity widespread among Australian men, with lasting mental health impacts

More than 6 in 10 Australian men have experienced some form of adversity during childhood, with significant impacts on their mental health in adulthood, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).

Drawing on data from Ten to Men, the world’s largest longitudinal study on male health, the report explores the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult mental health outcomes.

Among 13,182 men aged 18-67, childhood adversity was found to be widespread, with 62% reporting at least one adverse childhood experience, while 44% were exposed to two or more types – with higher exposure associated with significantly poorer mental health outcomes in adulthood.

In this study, ACEs refer to a range of stressful or harmful events that occur before the age of 18. These include experiences of emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction such as exposure to domestic violence, parental separation, substance misuse in the household, parental mental ill-health, or incarceration of a family member.

Dr Sean Martin, Longitudinal Head at AIFS, said the research points to the importance of supporting children and families early.

“Preventing childhood adversity is one of the most powerful ways to protect mental health later in life,” Dr Martin said.  

“The evidence suggests a population-level approach that supports families – through accessible services, stable housing, income security and early intervention – would help foster environments where children can grow up feeling safe, supported and connected.”

Key findings:

• Childhood adversity often co-occurs rather than occurring in isolation, with emotional abuse (38%) and physical abuse (34%) the most common overlapping experiences
• Three distinct patterns of childhood adversity were identified among Australian men: low exposure (61%); moderate exposure characterised by abuse and household dysfunction (30%); and high exposure involving multiple adversities across domains (9%)
• 78% of men in the high-exposure group report moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or male-type depressive symptoms (e.g. anger, substance use and risk-taking), compared with 59% in the moderate group and 35% in the low-exposure group
• Mental health service use increases with the level of childhood adversity (65% of high vs 39% of low), but gaps in access to care remain
• Around 1 in 5 men with a diagnosed mental health condition have never accessed Medicare-recorded care, particularly those experiencing financial stress

Importantly, the association between childhood adversity and adult mental health remained evident even after accounting for socioeconomic and demographic factors such as education, employment, income and financial stress, pointing to a lasting influence beyond later life circumstances.

Dr Martin said that while social support and connectedness were linked to better mental health, they accounted for only around one-quarter to one‑third of the relationship between childhood adversity and adult mental health.

“Strong relationships and social connection help, but they don’t erase the impact of early harm,” Dr Martin said.  

“The findings highlight the importance of adult health, mental health and social services being accessible and trauma‑aware – so people aren’t expected to ‘just cope’ but are met with support that reflects their experiences.”

The report also points to opportunities to strengthen low-cost and no‑cost mental health pathways, improve service navigation and continuity of care, and deliver culturally safe, gender‑responsive and place‑based supports for men, particularly those most at risk. 

Read the report: Adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mental health in Australian men