Do past or present adverse relationship experiences have greater impact on mental and physical health?

Objectives: This study compared the predictive power of past and present adverse relationship experiences (e.g., violence) in explaining depression and perceived physical health. Methods: Regression analyses were conducted on participants (N = 3,844) in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results: Among adults, effect sizes of adverse relationship experiences during adolescence and childhood were 1.5-2.3 times greater in predicting self-reported depression and perceived physical health. Among adolescents, past and present adverse relationship experiences were insignificant predictors. Conclusions: Adverse relationship experiences may be latent during late adolescence. Further study, however, is necessary before concluding that intervention during adolescence is warranted to mitigate poor health outcomes in adulthood.