A study from the University of Tokyo links adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to a higher likelihood of committing elder abuse. [1][2].
The cross-sectional study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 13,318 Japanese adults aged 20 to 64[1]. The findings indicate that individuals who experienced trauma or adversity in childhood were significantly more likely to engage in abusive behavior towards older adults[2][3].
Lead author Chie Koga, a project assistant professor at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, stated, “Our study confirmed that people who had adverse childhood experiences (when aged zero to 18), had a higher risk of committing violence and verbal abuse against adults aged 65 and older”[2].
The study identified seven types of ACEs, including interpersonal loss, family psychopathology, abuse, and neglect[1]. Of the participants, 8.5% reported perpetrating some form of abuse against older adults[2][3].
The research revealed a stark contrast in risk factors:
– Individuals with one ACE were 3.22 times more likely to abuse elderly people compared to those without ACEs[1][7].
– Those with two or more ACEs had a 7.65 times higher risk of perpetrating elder abuse[1].
Mental health emerged as a significant mediating factor. Depression accounted for 18.6% of the indirect effect, while other mental illnesses contributed 17.3%[1].
Koga emphasized the societal implications of these findings, stating, “The results of these studies indicate that the cycle of violence can extend to all vulnerable groups”[2]. She added that the research highlights “the importance of preventing violence”[2].
This study comes at a critical time for Japan, which faces a rapidly aging population. As of 2025, over 29% of the Japanese population is aged 65 or older, making the issue of elder abuse particularly pressing[6].
The researchers hope that by understanding the root causes of intergenerational violence, they can develop guidelines and support systems to break the cycle[2]. However, Koga cautioned against overgeneralization, noting, “It’s important to note that not all people with ACEs are repeat offenders of violence”[2].
As Japan grapples with these findings, the study underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to prevent childhood trauma and protect vulnerable elderly populations. The research team plans to investigate mitigating factors in future studies to further address this complex issue[2][3].
Citations:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39331391/
[2] https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/press/z0508_00372.html
[3] https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1059468
[4] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2760439
[5] https://neurosciencenews.com/psychology-child-trauma-elder-abuse-27725/
[6] https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/01/japan/society/childhood-trauma-elderly-abuse/
[7] https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025110100200/
[8] https://jen.jiji.com/jc/i?g=eco&k=2025110100556
