Childhood Trauma Recall Shifts with Current Relationships: Study

Research suggests memories of adverse childhood experiences can fluctuate based on the quality of one's current relationships.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A new study published in Child Abuse & Neglect found that how young adults remember adverse childhood experiences can change depending on the quality of their current relationships, especially with their parents. The research challenges the traditional view of these experiences as static indicators of past trauma and has implications for both research and clinical practice.

Why it matters

This research builds on a growing understanding of how memory functions, particularly in the context of trauma. It emphasizes the powerful role that current relationships play in reshaping past experiences, which is relevant given the widespread use of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaires in medical and mental health settings. Acknowledging the potential for fluctuations in ACE reports could lead to a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to interpreting these measures when predicting mental health, well-being, and life outcomes.

The details

The study tracked nearly 1,000 emerging adults over an eight-week period. Participants were asked to reflect on adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, on three separate occasions. Alongside these recollections, they reported on the quality of their relationships with parents, friends, and romantic partners. While the core reports of childhood adversity remained largely consistent, researchers observed meaningful variations in participants' responses over the course of the study. The most significant predictor of these shifts was the level of support and strain experienced in their parental relationships. Specifically, when individuals reported feeling more supported and less strained by their parents, they tended to recall fewer adverse childhood experiences, particularly those involving emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

  • The study was published on February 11, 2026.
  • The research tracked participants over an eight-week period.

The players

William Chopik

Associate Professor at Michigan State University's Department of Psychology and lead author of the study.

Annika Jaros

A research associate involved in the study.

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What they’re saying

“People are generally consistent in how they recall their past, but the small shifts in reporting are meaningful. It doesn't mean people are unreliable, it means that memory is doing what it does—integrating past experiences with present meaning.”

— William Chopik, Associate Professor at Michigan State University's Department of Psychology

“From research forms to clinical intakes, people often report on their adverse childhood experiences. Acknowledging the potential for fluctuations in these reports could lead to a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to interpreting ACE scores.”

— Annika Jaros, Research associate

What’s next

The researchers propose that assessing ACEs on multiple occasions, rather than relying on a single snapshot, could provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of an individual's history. This approach could help clinicians better evaluate how current mental states and relationships are influencing a patient's recollections.

The takeaway

This research underscores the importance of considering the broader context of an individual's life when assessing and addressing the impact of adverse childhood experiences. It suggests that interventions focused on strengthening current relationships, particularly those with parents, may play a crucial role in promoting healing and resilience.