Close to 60% of 1,229 young workers in Singapore surveyed experienced at least one childhood adversity, including abuse, living with someone who abused substances, or growing up in poverty, according to a new study published in May 2026 [1, 2]. About 15% reported two adversities, while 4% faced all three types.
The research, conducted by Griffith Business School associate professor Carys Chan and the NUS Department of Social Work and Social Service Research Centre, links these adversities to poorer mental and subjective physical health among affected workers [1, 2]. Poorer health conditions in turn correlate with lower job self-efficacy, diminished feelings of job security, and reduced optimism about the future.
Two waves of surveys were conducted between October 2020 and March 2021, and from November 2021 to May 2022, collecting data used in the study [1, 2]. The sample included 448 low-wage earners (bottom 20% of income) and 775 non-low-wage workers. Among low-wage respondents, two-thirds experienced at least one childhood adversity, compared with about 54% of non-low-wage respondents [1, 2].
The study also highlights that workers with lower educational attainment and those earning low wages are more likely to have faced childhood adversities, which may compound challenges in health and work outcomes [1, 2].
The findings offer detailed insights into how early life hardships affect both mental health and workplace confidence among young adults in Singapore, emphasizing the vulnerability of disadvantaged groups.
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Taylor & Francis Online in May 2026 [1, 2].
