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The Long-Term Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Subjective Well-Being: Longitudinal Evidence from Rural China

Author

Listed:
  • Peng Nie

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University, School of Economics and Finance
    Institute for Health Care & Public Management
    IZA@LISER)

  • Xili Lin

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University, School of Economics and Finance)

Abstract

Leveraging longitudinal data from the 2011–2020 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) linked with the 2014 CHARLS Life History Survey, this study examines the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on subjective well-being (SWB) among rural Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Our results from instrumental variable estimation show that ACEs exert long-term detrimental effects on later-life SWB, as indicated by higher depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction. Such negative effects are more pronounced among highly educated individuals and those residing in rural eastern China, possibly due to heightened life expectations and socioeconomic pressures. Mechanism analysis reveals that ACEs impair SWB by worsening health, promoting unhealthy behaviors (e.g., poor sleep and physical inactivity), and reducing social participation. Our findings have important policy implications, particularly for early prevention of ACEs, targeted interventions to mediate pathways, and systemic mental health support to improve the well-being of rural populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Nie & Xili Lin, 2026. "The Long-Term Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Subjective Well-Being: Longitudinal Evidence from Rural China," Contributions to Economics,, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:conchp:978-981-92-4957-2_7
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-92-4957-2_7
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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