Abstract

Childhood trauma can affect an adult's health for a long time, according to research. Using data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, we investigate the potential roles of adult mental health and socioeconomic position as separate mediators of the association between childhood trauma and chronic illness, with a life course focus on cumulative disadvantage. Scholars are investigating socioeconomic class and mental health as protective factors against the generally negative effects of childhood trauma. Research suggests that both socioeconomic class and mental health, with mental health having a greater impact, can contribute to the relationship between childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood. Higher socioeconomic position may also provide more protection against trauma, according to an examination of the associations. The findings also indicate that cumulative disadvantage following trauma may lead to chronic illness, highlighting the importance of public health programs in offering resources such as income assistance and counseling to prevent or reduce psychological harm and chronic illness caused by traumatic experiences.

Key words: Childhood trauma, adulthood, chronic illness, mental health, socioeconomic position, cumulative disadvantage, traumatic incidents.