Childhood abuse alters biological growth in lasting ways, study reveals
A new study has uncovered how childhood abuse and neglect disrupt children’s biological development. Published on 7 May 2026 in Molecular Psychiatry, the research reveals distinct physical effects depending on the type of maltreatment. Scientists warn that such trauma can impair a child’s ability to maintain stable bodily functions well into later life. The project was led by Associate Professor Idan Shalev and Dr. Qiaofeng Ye. Their team analysed blood biomarkers using the Physiological Age Index (Klemera-Doubal Method) to assess how abuse alters development. Findings showed that sexual abuse often led to delayed physiological growth in children.
Physical abuse, meanwhile, was linked to weakened homeostatic regulation—the body’s ability to keep internal systems balanced. The effects varied by gender: boys displayed greater instability after abuse, whereas girls appeared more resilient. Funding for the study came from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. The work brought together researchers from multiple institutions, highlighting its broad scientific collaboration.
The results confirm that different forms of maltreatment leave unique biological marks on children. Those exposed to abuse or neglect struggle more to regulate essential bodily functions. The study’s insights could help shape future interventions for affected children.
