Early Aggression Linked to Faster Aging Later in Life

Study finds teen relationship problems predict accelerated biological aging by age 30

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A new study published in the journal Health Psychology has found that aggressive behavior in early adolescence is linked to faster biological aging and higher body mass index (BMI) by age 30. The research tracked 121 middle school students from age 13 into adulthood, measuring aggression, family conflict, and relationship behavior. By age 30, those who had displayed more aggression as teens showed signs of accelerated aging based on blood-based biomarkers.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that early relationship problems may serve as warning signs for long-term health risks, highlighting the importance of helping adolescents develop healthier relationships early in life. Accelerated aging has been linked to increased risk for conditions like coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and early death.

The details

The study used two validated methods to measure biological aging at age 30 - the Klemera-Doubal approach and PhenoAge. Both showed that higher levels of aggression in early adolescence predicted more advanced biological age by 30, even after accounting for factors like gender, family income, childhood illness, and body shape. The researchers found that continued relationship struggles, not just early aggression, were what ultimately predicted the accelerated aging.

  • The study followed participants from age 13 into adulthood.
  • Biological aging was assessed when participants reached age 30.

The players

Joseph Allen

Lead author of the study and a professor at the University of Virginia.

Meghan A. Costello

Co-author of the study and a researcher at Harvard Medical School.

Gabrielle L. Hunt

Co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Virginia.

Bert N. Uchino

Co-author of the study and a professor at the University of Utah.

Karen Sugden

Co-author of the study and a researcher at Duke University.

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What they’re saying

“This study highlights the potential lasting health consequences stemming from social challenges that emerge in early adolescence.”

— Joseph Allen, Lead author, University of Virginia (Mirage News)

“Accelerated aging has been linked to an increased risk for future coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and even early death.”

— Joseph Allen, Lead author, University of Virginia (Mirage News)

“Both methods showed that higher levels of aggression in early adolescence predicted more advanced biological age by 30, even after accounting for gender, family income, serious childhood illness and adolescent body shape.”

— Joseph Allen, Lead author, University of Virginia (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate the specific mechanisms linking early aggression to later health outcomes, as well as explore potential interventions to help adolescents develop healthier relationships.

The takeaway

This study underscores the long-term physical health implications of social challenges that emerge in adolescence, highlighting the importance of supporting teens in building positive relationships and managing aggressive behaviors early on to promote better lifelong wellbeing.