HKU Study: Long-term Effects of Adverse Childhoods

Professor Carrie K.W. Li presented her research study,

Professor Carrie K.W. Li presented her research study, "Adverse Childhood Experience Is Not My Fault", as part of the "JC Project Stride" at an event organised by Harmony House in June 2025.

Professor Carrie K.W. Li, Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Principal Investigator of the "JC Project Stride", has released her latest research study titled "Adverse Childhood Experience Is Not My Fault". This study is part of the "JC Project Stride", organised by Harmony House and funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, aiming to explore the prevalence, long-term effects, and intergenerational impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Hong Kong, and offer actionable policy recommendations.

Conducted between November 2023 and May 2025, this mixed-methods study collected data through a telephone survey of over 800 valid responses from a randomly sampled adult population, with a response rate of over 40%, complemented by in-depth interviews with 16 ACE survivors (evenly split by gender).

Key Findings

High Prevalence of ACEs: The survey revealed that 53% of Hong Kong residents aged 18 and above have experienced at least one form of ACE – substantially higher than the global average of 38.8% (Kessler et al., 2010). Emotional neglect (32.5%), psychological abuse (30.8%), and physical abuse (14.2%) were the most common forms identified.

Intergenerational Transmission: Individuals with ACE histories are more likely to use violent disciplinary methods – such as verbal abuse and physical punishment – on their children. Statistically, those with ACEs are found to employ twice as many violent child-rearing behaviors compared to those without. Qualitative interviews highlighted multi-generational domestic violence, underscoring the persistence of trauma across generations.

Mental and Physical Health Impact: ACE survivors reported significantly higher rates of depression (24.2% high-risk) and anxiety (21.9% high-risk) compared to non-affected individuals. Somatic symptoms linked to anxiety were frequently described, illustrating the complex interplay between physical and mental health.

Connection to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): The study found a strong correlation between ACEs and adult IPV, with greater ACE exposure increasing the likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating violence. Survivors' narratives revealed how childhood trauma can undermine self-esteem, trapping them in abusive relationships or, conversely, leading to perpetration of psychological abuse.

Intervention Recommendations

The research emphasises the urgent need to break the cycle of ACEs through early intervention, community support, and cultural change. Key recommendations include:

  • Enhancing public awareness and education on ACEs and their long-term effects
  • Early identification and support for high-risk families and new parents
  • Developing integrated body-mind-spirit intervention programs
  • Challenging harmful traditional beliefs that perpetuate ACEs
  • Strengthening community training and support networks

Professor Li highlights the importance of challenging traditional cultural beliefs that may contribute to ACEs. She stresses that fostering a society committed to safeguarding childhood development is vital to preventing intergenerational trauma and promoting healthier families and communities across Hong Kong.

About Professor Carrie K. W. Li

Professor Carrie K. W. Li is an Assistant Professor at HKU Department of Social Work and Social Administration and founder of the Violence, Intervention, and Prevention Lab (VIP Lab). Her research focuses on intimate partner violence and holistic well-being across cultural contexts, recently expands to Hong Kong and Chinese societies. She employs a blend of quantitative, qualitative, and experimental methodologies, as well as multiple theoretical frameworks to answer important questions about factors, patterns, etiology, intervention, and policy. She adopts feminist and intersectional approaches aimed at generating knowledge to support vulnerable and marginalised populations.

About the VIP Lab

The Violence, Intervention, and Prevention (VIP) Lab is dedicated to advancing understanding and effective strategies to address intimate partner violence and other forms of violence across diverse populations. The Lab explores psychological, social, and environmental factors to violence, emphasising the development of culturally sensitive interventions and cross-cultural research. Its mission is to foster resilient communities through innovative prevention methods and evidence-based practices that promote safety, mental health, and social harmony.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.