World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2026) Adverse childhood experiences in the European Union, Iceland and Norway: characteristics, consequences and costs. Copenhagen: World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe.
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This report presents findings from the first harmonized multi-country survey of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among young adults (18–30) across the EU, Iceland and Norway, involving 26 741 respondents. More than two-thirds reported at least one ACE, with higher exposure linked to poorer mental and physical health, lower educational attainment and income, greater involvement in violence, and weaker social trust. ACEs were estimated to cause substantial losses in healthy life-years, while childhood resilience—particularly supportive adult relationships—mitigated these effects. The report calls for coordinated, trauma-informed, multisectoral policy action to prevent ACEs, build resilience, and break intergenerational cycles of adversity.
B Substances > Alcohol
B Substances > Tobacco (cigarette smoking)
F Concepts in psychology > Skills > Coping skills / Resilience
F Concepts in psychology > Psychological stress / emotional trauma / adversity
F Concepts in psychology > Psychological stress / emotional trauma / adversity > Adverse childhood experiences (ACE)
G Health and disease > State of health / wellbeing > Physical health
G Health and disease > State of health / wellbeing > Mental health
G Health and disease > Pathology > Cancer
G Health and disease > Digestive / endocrine system disease > Liver disease
G Health and disease > Respiratory / lung disease
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Prevention approach
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Health care economics
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family
MA-ML Social science, culture and community > Social condition > Poverty / deprivation
MM-MO Crime and law > Crime and violence > Crime against persons (assault / abuse)
MM-MO Crime and law > Crime and violence > Crime against persons (assault / abuse) > Intimate partner abuse (domestic violence)
MM-MO Crime and law > Crime and violence > Crime against persons (assault / abuse) > Sexual violence
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Labour and work > Employment and unemployment
T Demographic characteristics > Adolescent / youth (teenager / young person)
T Demographic characteristics > Young adult
T Demographic characteristics > Person who commits a criminal offence (offender)
T Demographic characteristics > Child of person who uses substances
VA Geographic area > Europe > Iceland
VA Geographic area > Europe > Norway
VA Geographic area > Europe > European Union
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