Stolen Childhoods: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Wellbeing among Adult Survivors of Child Labor

Child labor is a global issue that robs children off their childhood and exposes them to harmful and exploitative conditions. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to explore the difficult childhood experiences of 17 adults subjected to child labor at very young ages of 6 and 7 years and the long-term effects their exposure had on their mental health. Through in-depth interviews, this study sheds light on the nature of the experiences of child labor; provides a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced. The study found that adult survivors of child labor experienced adverse childhoods in areas of poor relationship with parents and caregivers; toxic family/living environments; peer violence; and witnessing community violence. We conclude that adults who had experienced child labor often endured losses, separation, maltreatment, neglect and starvation during their formative years; that adult survivors of child labor exhibit symptoms of hyperarousal and grapple with intrusive memories related to their past traumas which impact their relationships and overall well-being. That these challenges pose significant mental health issues such as low self-esteem, vulnerabilities, psychological distress, among others. We court the attention of helping professionals to assist clients from trauma-informed perspectives to unearth deep-seated traumatic challenges of people who seek help.