What generation has the most childhood trauma?

Generational Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences

When looking at the history of public health and psychological research, experts often track adversity using Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly known as ACEs. These indicators measure potential toxic stress and early life hardships that can impact a person well into their adult life.

Data shows a noticeable shift when comparing age groups over the last several decades. The proportion of individuals reporting four or more ACEs is substantially higher for generations that follow the baby boomers. Interestingly, Millennials report the highest proportion of these elevated scores, followed closely by Gen Z and then Gen X.

While shifting social conditions, economic pressures, and evolving family dynamics play a role in these findings, increased awareness and better diagnostic tools also mean people today are more likely to recognize and report childhood adversity than past generations were.